Three-time Olympic aerialist Steve Omischl has announced his retirement.

The North Bay native is one of the most decorated skiers of all-time. The 31-year-old as earned four FIS crystal globes in aerials, two FIS freestyle overall championships, four World Championships medals, including a first place in 2005, and 40 FIS World Cup medals.

Notably missing from Omischl’s arsenal is an Olympic medal. Despite competing in three Games, including the Vancouver Winter Olympics, Omischl has never reached been able to bring his success to the Olympic games; almost breaking down during his post-event interview with CTV after finishing in 8th spot in Vancouver.

“I want to have fun for the rest of my life,” he said on the Canadian Freestyle Ski website.

“To see what I was capable of in the years coming up to the (Vancouver) Games – I know I’ll never by any better than I was. February 2010 was absolutely the pinnacle of my career. In practice I jumped better than ever and even
surprised myself.”

While Omischl, hasn’t ruled out the chance of a comeback, for now a teaching career is taking flight as he has joined the Canadian Freestyle Ski Association development aerials program for young athletes in Whistler, B.C.

“This sport has given me everything and it would be a shame for me to walk away. It would be selfish and dumb. It’s time to help the next group of kids,” said Omischl.

The Complex

On a positive note, North Bayites will be able to remember Omischl's career as the city named the new sports facility the Steve Omischl Sports Field Complex on June 15th of this year.

Thanking everyone who helped him along the way, a humbled Omischl said he was honoured to be home for the celebration.

“In my career I have been fortunate enough to compete at three Olympic games and I have to admit that this day and this honour I will remember as much as any opening ceremonies march,” Omischl told BayToday's Kate Adams.

Omischl was also named the #2 Sports Story of the past decade in the BayToday.ca Sports Stories of the Decade.

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