One of the most consistent American cross-country skiers of her generation has announced she is stepping away from the World Cup circuit.

Rosie Brennan has opened up about ongoing health struggles that have taken a toll both physically and mentally, saying she feels some disappointment that her World Cup career is not ending on her own terms.

“I struggle with the word retirement because I don’t think this is what that is, but my time as a World Cup athlete has come to an end,” she wrote on Instagram.

The 37-year-old skier was a three-time Olympian who represented the United States at six World Championships. She won twice on the World Cup circuit, both times in December 2020. She finished fourth in the overall standings in both the 2021 and 2023 seasons. Her final World Cup start came in Lake Placid in March 2026.

Despite the difficult circumstances, Brennan reflected with pride on a long and hard-fought career.

“As I reflect on my World Cup career, I am most proud of showing up every day, having developed perseverance through overcoming many obstacles and difficult periods, and using my desire to learn and grow to become competitive in every event,” she wrote.

She credited coach Erik Flora and the APU Nordic Ski Center as central to what she achieved.

“There is little doubt in my mind that any of this would have been possible without APU having welcomed me, without Erik’s unwavering commitment to helping me grow not just as a skier, but as a full human, and without the productive training environment he has created,” she said.

Looking ahead, Brennan plans to enroll in a Master’s of Sports Nutrition at Liverpool John Moores University this autumn and left the door firmly open for a racing return.

“I do believe I will put on a race bib as soon as my body is ready,” she said.

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A post shared by Rosie Brennan (@rosiewbrennan)

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