Vienna  - Austrian skiing icon Hermann Maier said Tuesday that he would retire immediately, ending his career as one of the sports most successful athletes.

The visibly moved 36-year-old racer announced his decision after having won two Olympic golds, three world titles, four overall World Cup wins and 54 race wins.

In the history of alpine skiing, only Sweden's Ingemar Stenmark was more successful in the World Cup.

Maier made a spectacular comeback after a serious motorcycle accident in 2001, but the long-term effects of his injuries hampered him in recent seasons.(dpa)