Thorkildsen, who won gold at the Athens and Beijing Olympics and was crowned world champion in Berlin in 2009, took to Instagram to announce his decision.
"Have decided to end my career as a professional javelin thrower. It's been a fun ride," he said. "Thanks for all the support these years. Thanks to everyone who have helped me along the way."
Thorkildsen is one of Norway's most popular and high-profile athletes also known for his close friendship with his nearest rival for many years, Finland's Tero Pitkamaki.
(Reporting by Philip O'Connor; Editing by Amlan Chakraborty)
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