Swedish curling star Niklas Edin has announced his retirement following his world championship gold in April. He describes the decision as tough and scary. Edin plans to remain involved in the sport through coaching, training, and commentary.
Niklas Edin, aged 40, announced on Sunday via Instagram that he is ending his competitive curling career. The world championship gold in Utah, USA, in April – a final win against Canada – was his last. "It is a tough and scary decision", he wrote.
As skipper of Team Edin, he boasts an impressive record. He won Olympic gold in Beijing 2022, silver in 2018, and bronze in 2014. Over his career, he secured eight world championship golds, including 2026, and eight European golds. He recently received an award from King Carl XVI Gustaf for his achievements.
Following the Olympic disappointment in Milano and Cortina earlier this year, where the team failed to reach playoffs, Edin proved his class at the worlds. "We had to prove to ourselves that we can still play curling at a high level. I think we played fantastically and kept our cool", he said according to World Curling Media.
Edin's decision means Team Edin, together for nearly 20 years, will disband. However, he will not leave curling entirely, planning to coach, commentate, and possibly play in Rock League, a new pro league based in Canada. "I hope you enjoyed the journey. I really did!", he wrote.
