Chinese figure skating stalwart Li Zijun announced her retirement after an 11-year career.
The 21-year-old had not competed in any tournaments since last year's World Championships, and she also failed to qualify for this year's PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
Li announced her retirement on Weibo saying: “Unexpectedly, in the past 17 years, skating gradually turned from my interest to my career and mission. I never had thought that skating has filled my life in the past 17 years. During the past 17 years, I never changed my mind and I stayed true to my mission. I am ready to embrace the new chapter of my life and I will continue being with you all.”
Li Zijun of China competes in the Ladies Free Skating during ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, Test Event for PyeongChang 2018 at Gangneung Ice Arena, Gangneung, February 18, 2017. /VCG Photo
Li debuted on the ISU Junior Grand Prix circuit during the 2010-11 season when she won the bronze medal in Austria and placed 4th in the Czech Republic to qualify for the Final. After winning her first senior national title, she finished 9th at the 2011 World Junior Championships.
In the 2012–13 season, Li appeared at her maiden senior Grand Prix series and finished fifth at her debut event, the 2012 Cup of China.
Li's last appearance was during last year's World Figure Skating Championships when she finished 21st. The Chinese claimed a bronze medal at the 2012 Winter Youth Olympics and won gold at the 2016 Chinese National Games along with silver at the 2017 Asian Winter Games.