"It really hurts": Olympic champion reacts to being kicked out

Even without a permanent spot on the Swiss-Ski team, Ramon Zenhäusern isn't thinking about retiring. The 33-year-old Swiss skier is looking ahead – with independent planning, new equipment, and undiminished ambition.

05 May 2026

From: never

Since the end of April, it has been clear that Zenhäusern will be in the future no longer be part of a national squad He was relegated to the regional level instead. Nevertheless, the Olympic champion, world champion, and six-time World Cup winner remains committed to competitive sports. He had previously made it clear publicly: "After careful consideration and self-reflection, I have come to the conclusion that the flame for ski racing has by no means been extinguished."

In conversation with blue sports He then explained his reasons in more detail. "The primary reason is certainly the enjoyment I still get from skiing. But I also told myself: there's simply still too much potential there." His conviction in his own abilities remains unbroken: "I believe in my abilities and my skills. You can still see that in training, and the coaches confirm it for me as well."

Zenhäusern “thrown into the same pot”

The exclusion from the squad did not leave him unscathed. "To be honest, it does hurt emotionally," Zenhäusern openly admitted. He was particularly affected by the comparison with other athletes: "When you're compared to other riders who are at a different point in their careers and perhaps haven't achieved nearly as much – or don't even have the potential to achieve as much – when you're then lumped in with them, it does hurt a bit."

Ramon Zenhäusern has celebrated great successes for Switzerland. © APA/afp / CHARLY TRIBALLEAU

Nevertheless, the connection to the federation remains. Swiss-Ski continues to signal its support, even though Zenhäusern has to organize and finance large parts of his preparation independently. A gradual return to team training is planned for late autumn. At the same time, the veteran is working on clarifying his financial situation and securing new sponsors. "I'm currently organizing my finances. Depending on how things develop, I can then plan how much I can afford financially during my preparation."

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One important change is already certain: After years with Rossignol, Zenhäusern is switching to equipment supplier Völkl. With the new setup, the Swiss skier has a clear goal: to consistently deliver his best performance again. "That's my goal. Then I believe I can still achieve a great deal." Additional motivation comes from a major event in his own country: "And of course, the World Championships right on my doorstep in Crans-Montana were certainly another reason to keep skiing."

Keywords Winter sports Alpine skiing World Cup Ramon Zenhausern