Hannu Manninen of Finland has set his sights on competing at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games ©Getty Images

Olympic Nordic combined gold medallist Hannu Manninen of Finland has set his sights on competing at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Games following a return to the sport last year.

Manninen, winner of a gold medal in the 4×5 kilometre team event at the Salt Lake City Games in 2002 and a famous name in the sport, initially hung up his skis in 2011 but returned to compete in 2016.

He competed in the Finnish National Championships last year before making his return to the International Ski Federation (FIS) World Cup on home snow in Lahti in January.

The 38-year-old finished in 18th place in the men's Gundersen event, just under two minutes behind the winner of the race, Eric Frenzel of Germany.

He then competed at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, also held in Lahti, in March.

The veteran placed 24th in the individual Gundersen event and was part of the Finnish team which came fifth in the team competition.

Hannu Manninen came out of retirement at the Finnish National Championships last year ©Getty Images
Hannu Manninen came out of retirement at the Finnish National Championships last year ©Getty Images

"The preparation time for the World Championships in Lahti was pretty short," said Manninen.

"In relation to this, the results were fruitful and I cannot be very disappointed by the outcomes.

"So yes, the thought of next year's Olympic team race came to mind and it attracts me to have a look at that card."

Manninen, who also won an Olympic silver medal in the 4x5km event at Nagano 1998, added a bronze at Turin 2006.

He has won three World Championship titles in his career and his 48 FIS World Cup victories is a record.

The Finn also won the World Cup for four consecutive years between 2004 and 2007.