ALPINE:

French downhill standout Jacquemod retires

April 3, 2011 — The Canadian Press

French skier Ingrid Jacquemod has retired after a 15-year career in which she won one World Cup race and competed in three Olympics.

The 32-year-old Jacquemod told the French ski federation's website that her passion for the sport remains but she needs a break from competition. She says she is proud of her career and is retiring with a "blissful feeling."

Jacquemod excelled in speed events and was noted for her technique. She won a World Cup downhill in 2005 in Santa Caterina, Italy, and had five other top-three finishes. She skied in the Winter Olympics in 2002, 2006 and 2010.