"When I stepped out of the sled today, I had to take a deep breath and tears came to my eyes. It feels like a huge burden has been lifted. A new life begins, a normal life and it's scary," said Lange.

"I know it's the right time to quit. I will start a new life, a real life from the rosy career I've been leading.

"In these two weeks in Canada I've experienced more than anyone can experience in a career."

Holcomb, who last year became the first American in half a century to win a world title, came to these Games just two years on from sight-saving surgery for a degenerative eye disorder.

"At that point, I thought I was done completely, so I never even thought I'd be back," said Holcomb on his eye disease surgery in 2008.

"I'm sure my eye surgeon is around here somewhere."

With Holcomb and his crew of Justin Olsen, Steve Mesler and Curtis Tomasevicz dominating the two days of competition, two-man champion Lange missed a record third straight title in his final race as he lost out on a fifth Olympic career gold.

Crucial to Holcomb's success may have been his lightning fast sled, perfectly suited to the Whistler track.

But Holcomb's driving skills have been unrivalled in Whistler as he was the only driver to breeze through the treacherous 13th corner on each of his four runs.

"Unfortunately, I've had my problems there as well. In the two-man, I had to have a little talk with 50-50 and made sure we had everything worked," said Holcomb referring to the 13th curve.

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