The 23-year-old became the first Briton to win four medals at a Paralympic Games when she picked up three silvers and one bronze in alpine skiing during the Sochi 2014 Winter Games.

The visually impaired skier announced her intention to retire on her Facebook page, where she also said that guide Caroline Powell will retire.

"Me and Caroline have made the decision to officially retire from competitive skiing!" Etherington wrote.

"We would like to say a huge THANK YOU to our families, friends and supporters of my six year journey, and our run up to, and throughout the Sochi 2014 Games.

"We will miss our teammates and the mountains greatly but we both have other passions we would like to pursue!

"Me with my teaching career and motivational speaking and Caroline as an instructor in Verbier.

"Thank you again for all your support, I will still use this page to post about my journey!

"Love 'Britain's most successful Winter Paralympians' xx."

Jade Etherington and guide Caroline Powell won four medals at Sochi 2014 - three silvers and one bronze ©Getty Images



Etherington is currently undertaking a Postgraduate Certificate in Education teaching course and hopes to take up a career as a geography teacher for secondary school students.

She has also indicated that she wishes to increase the volume of motivational speaking she does.

A campaign was launched in August to see Etherington nominated on the shortlist for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

The winner of the award will be announced following a public vote at a star-studded ceremony in Glasgow on December 14 at the SSE Hydro, hosted by Gary Lineker, Clare Balding and Gabby Logan.

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Related stories
August 2014: Campaign launched for Paralympic medallist Etherington to be shortlisted for BBC Sports Personality of the Year
July 2014: Four-time Sochi 2014 medallist Etherington added to Britain's Paralympic Day line-up
April 2014: Prince Edward congratulates Sochi 2014 British Paralympians at special reception
January 2014: Etherington makes it two in two at IPC Alpine Skiing World Cup in Tignes
January 2014: Etherington secures maiden World Cup win to boost Winter Paralympic medal prospects