Dutch speed skater Jan Bos put an end to his career on Sunday during the World Cup Finals in Heerenveen, the last World Cup skating events of the year.
He failed to qualify for the World Single Distances Championships and therefore missed his last chance to extend his last season one week longer.
The 35-year-old skater became the first Dutch world champion sprint in 1998 and grabbed the world title on the 1000 meters one year later. The six-time Dutch sprint champion also captured two silver medals on the 1000 meters of the 1998 and 2002 Olympic Games.
"Actually I have been looking forward to this," Bos told Dutch television channel NOS. "I had a nice season and a wonderful career. I am glad I can finish it with a good feeling."
Bos was not able to compete at the same level as the new generation anymore. On Sunday, he finished tenth in 1:09.99. His compatriot Stefan Groothuis won the 1000 meters in 1:08.66 and grabbed the overall win in the 1000m World Cup.