Russia's Natalia Khoreva won the women's European title in 2014 and represented her country in two Wintter Olympics ©Getty Images

Natalia Khoreva has announced her retirement from the sport after failing to qualify for Russia's team for the last season’s International Luge Federation (FIL) World Cup.

The 30-year-old had competed at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi.,

She had been selected following her success at the 2014 European Championships in Sigulda in Latvia, beating team-mate Tatiana Ivanova and Germany’s Dajana Eitberger.

Khoreva also won a gold medal as part of the Russian squad in the mixed team event. 

She failed, however, to challenge for  place on the podium at Sochi 2014, finishing eighth.

Khoreva had also competed at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, finishing 10th.