Former figure skating world champion and 2006 Olympic silver medallist Stephane Lambiel has confirmed his retirement from official competition, the International Skating Union (ISU) said Tuesday.

"The ISU has been informed by the Swiss Ice Skating (federation) that Stephane Lambiel's management has confirmed his retirement as an amateur from figure skating," ISU spokeswoman Devra Pitt Getaz said.

Lambiel, the world champion in 2005 and 2006, won silver at the Winter Olympics in Turin four years ago but finished fourth in Vancouver.

The 24-year-old's career was plagued by injury and he had retired two years ago because of a chronic adductor problem.

But he had staged a comeback this season lured by the prospect of an Olympic title, finishing runner-up behind Yevgeny Plushenko in the European championships in January.

Agencies