Leanne Smith of the United States has announced her retirement from professional skiing ©Getty Images

Leanne Smith of the United States has announced she is retiring from competitive skiing after 10 years on the International Ski Federation (FIS) World Cup circuit.

The 29-year-old said that she has decided to hang up her skis after making more than 100 starts in the World Cup.

Her debut came back in 2007 and during her career, Smith earned two podium finishes.

The first came in 2012 when she was second on the French resort of Val d’Isere and a year later Smith claimed a third place in Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy.

Both podiums were in the downhill discipline.

Alongside her FIS World Cup appearances, Smith also featured at two Winter Olympics for the US, making the team which headed to Vancouver in 2010 and Sochi four years later.

She placed 18th both times in the women’s super-G and was 21st in the combined in 2010.

Leanne Smith recorded two podium finishes on the FIS World Cup during her 10 year career ©Getty Images
Leanne Smith recorded two podium finishes on the FIS World Cup during her 10 year career ©Getty Images

Smith has been plagued by injuries in recent years and spent the two seasons between 2014 and 2016 off the slopes.

Speaking about her decision, Smith said she had a lot of fun during her career, especially going to two Olympics.

“It is the pinnacle for every athlete,” she said.

“A medal would’ve been unbelievable, but just being there and representing the United States with thousands of other athletes from all over the world is something special.”