Danish Curling Star Jasmin Holtermann Retires

Jasmin Holtermann leaves Danish curling team

Danish curling star retires after 12 years, leaving World Championships future uncertain. Jasmin Holtermann ends curling career with immediate effect, citing need for work-life balance. Denmark's Olympic team member seeks new chapter. Team urges funding support.

Jasmin Holtermann quits curling to focus on life outside sport. Denmark's Olympic squad faces uncertain future...

Danish Olympic curling player Jasmin Holtermann has surprisingly ended her career with immediate effect, just before the World Championships. The 26-year-old athlete, who was part of Denmark's team at the Winter Olympics, shared her decision with TV2 Sport, saying "I can feel that I am ready to try something new in life" after 12 years in the sport.

Holtermann had discussed her decision to retire with her teammates months prior to the Olympics, citing the challenges of balancing curling with everyday life and the financial struggles of pursuing the sport in Denmark. Her teammates, including Madeleine Dupont, tried to persuade her to continue, but ultimately respected her decision.

Denmark's women's curling team ended their Olympic adventure just short of the semi-finals, losing to Switzerland. With the World Championships approaching in a few weeks, the team's future plans are still uncertain.

The World Championships will take place in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, from March 14 to 22, and Denmark will be competing against teams like Canada, China, and Sweden. 

Madeleine Dupont, Denmark's skipper, downplayed the impact of Jasmin Holtermann's retirement, saying “it does not change anything for the rest of the team.” The remaining players are hoping to secure funding to continue competing at the top level.

Holtermann had discussed her decision to retire with the team months ago, citing the difficulty of balancing curling with everyday life in Denmark, where it's tough to make a living from the sport. She needed more space in her calendar and felt it was time for a change.

Jasmin Holtermann found it tough to juggle work and curling after graduating, which contributed to her decision to retire. Her teammates, including Madeleine Dupont, tried to convince her to stay, but she was resolute.

Denmark's Olympic curling team consisted of Madeleine Dupont, Denise Dupont, Mathilde Halse, My Larsen, and Jasmin Holtermann, who've had some notable moments together.