The Slovakian retired after this year's World Championships in Östersund, where she won the 7.5 kilometres sprint title.

Kuzmina said that she would continue training with a view to participating in relays on the upcoming World Cup circuit.

She has since decided to fully retire, however, marking an end to a successful career in the sport.

"Six months have passed since the end of last season, I have continued to train seriously because I had this idea in mind: to help my team mates in the relays," Kuzmina said.

"My preparation went well, I feel fit, but many things have changed in my life during this time. 

"So I started evaluating the pros and cons, so in the end I decided to end my career."

Kuzmina won the sprint gold medal at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver and defended her title in Sochi four years later.

The Russian-born Slovakian star triumphed in the mass start at last year's Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang and won three World Cup crystal globes.

"I don't want to become a burden for my team, for my team mates, and for the preparation of the next Beijing Olympics - the generational change will be faster and it won't be bad," Kuzmina added.

"It was a very difficult decision to make and I want to thank all the biathlon fans, my family, and all those who supported me during my career in Russia and Slovakia."