Retirement in Austria: A skier with bad luck quits

An Austrian ski racer has announced his retirement in an emotional manner.

05 May 2026

From: dl

Daniel Danklmaier officially announced his retirement from competitive skiing on Tuesday. The 33-year-old from Styria finished in the top ten seven times in the World Cup, with his fifth-place finish in the legendary downhill race on the Streif in Kitzbühel in 2019 being his highlight. The speed specialist also participated in the World Championships in Åre that same season.

Danklmaier faced numerous physical problems in between, undergoing eight operations, half of them for cruciate ligament tears. The most serious injury occurred in April 2022 during training in Sölden: without falling, he injured his left knee (cruciate ligament and meniscus) upon landing after a jump – and this after the best season of his career.

Daniel Danklmaier had to undergo a total of eight operations. © APA/afp / MARCO BERTORELLO

“Ten years ago I made my World Cup debut. It was my dream, and I realized it, even though there were highs and lows – but also just as many comebacks. Thanks to my team and my sponsors, and a special thank you to my wife, my family and my friends – you have always been by my side. I look back with pride and gratitude, but also forward to what awaits me,” Danklmaier wrote on social media.

Keywords Winter sports Alpine skiing Resignation OSV