The Swedish legend, a member of the 4x10 kilometres relay team which clinched the gold medal at Vancouver 2010 and successfully defended their title in Sochi four years later, confirmed he no longer had the motivation to continue at the top level.

Olsson is one of Sweden's leading winter sport athletes and won a total of 14 medals across the Olympic Games and World Championships during his career.

Only Gunde Svan and Sixten Jernberg have more with 17.

"It requires a lot to be on top as an elite athlete," said Olsson.

"Not only from myself but also from people around me. 

"I spent so much time away from my family and friends not to be exposed to any risk of infections before major competitions. 

"I have thought about it a lot and I feel now that I no longer have the motivation.

"I no longer have the great motivation needed to continue my elite investment and all the sacrifices it entails."

Olsson won the 50km classical event at the 2013 World Championships in Val di Fiemme before he went on to clinch the 15km freestyle crown at the 2015 edition of the competition in Falun.

The Swede finished second in the 15km freestyle race at Sochi 2014.

He also earned three Olympic bronze medals during a success-laden career.

"We are sorry to see Johan Olsson leave the national team," Johan Sares, the head of the Swedish Ski Association, said. 

"He has contributed a lot to the Swedish skiing, both through their success in the track, but also by being a good role model for future skiers. 

"But Johan has had a long career and we understand that it is now time for him to move on. 

"We wish him good luck in the future."