Former ski star is delighted about his first baby. © Instagram

Early Christmas present: Former ski star overjoyed with his new baby

A ski star who has had an eventful career has now given himself the best gift: He became a father for the first time.

02 December 2025

From: det

The Christmas season is in full swing. Christmas trees are slowly but surely finding their place in living rooms, city centers are aglow with lights, and the scent of mulled wine and freshly baked cookies is everywhere. However, it will still be three weeks until Santa Claus actually delivers the presents.

But not for Stefan Hadalin. The former ski star has become a father for the first time and has therefore already received the best gift of all. "Christmas is early this year," the 30-year-old wrote alongside a photo of himself with his baby son. The new arrival, named Fran Hadalin, has brought his parents, Stefan and Katja, much "serenity, contentment, pride, and gratitude."

Check out this post on Instagram

A post shared by Štefan Hadalin OLY (@stefanhadalin)

World Championship runner-up, but also mental problems

Hadalin was among the best Slovenian skiers in recent years. He competed in 132 World Cup races and finished in the top 10 numerous times. His greatest success came in 2019 at the World Championships in Åre, where he won silver in the Alpine Combined.

Stefan Hadalin was an all-rounder. © APA/afp / DIMITAR DILKOFF

Towards the end of his career, however, Hadalin struggled with physical and mental problems. In 2022, he ended the Olympic season early due to burnout, and two years later he retired. "I can no longer bear the pressure that comes with the competitive rhythm of elite sports," Hadalin wrote on Instagram at the time.