The Norwegian was a member of the 4x5 kilometre relay team which won gold at the Sochi 2014 Games in Russia.

His career also saw him win World Championship gold in the same discipline, in 2005 in German resort Oberstdorf.

He won two more silver medals at the Worlds, as well as four bronzes. 

"I have decided to end my career as a Nordic combined athlete," Klemetsen said on Facebook.

"At the age of 38, I have realised that it may be time to find a proper job and raise a few more pension points.

"It is time to prioritise other things in life. 

"I feel very privileged to have been allowed to work on what I like most for more than 20 years. 

"I will look back on my Nordic combined career with pride. 

"I feel happy to look at what I have achieved and have experienced so many highlights throughout my career.

"Thank you to all of you who made this possible.

"Thanks to all who have been cheering me."

Klemetsen made 220 starts on the International Ski Federation (FIS) World Cup circuit, with his first in Oberhof in Germany in 2003.

He won one individual event, on home snow in Lillehammer in 2011.