Carlotta Saracco is devoting herself to a new chapter. © Social Media

Two Italians suffering from injuries are retiring

A few days ago, the Italian winter sports association FISI announced the new ski teams for the coming season. The names of Elena Dolmen and Carlotta Saracco were searched in vain because the duo decided to end their careers.

25 Maj 2024

From: leo

Just a few months ago she was competing in the World Cup, now she's retired from skiing: at just 27 years old, Elena Dolmen is drawing a line under her career. The speed specialist fell during training in Altenmarkt-Zauchensee at the beginning of January, injured her ankle and shin and as a result had to end her season early. The time she spent away from the ski slopes helped the athlete from Auronzo di Cadore to come to the difficult decision.

“It was years full of emotions, difficult moments and important victories in which I learned not to give up, but also to understand my limits,” writes Dolmen on social media. “What remains in the end are not the results, but the experiences I have had and the people I have met. This gives me the peace of mind to change my life because I know that there is more to it than just skiing.” Dolmen took part in five World Cup races and achieved her first and only European Cup victory in St. Anton in 2022.

Elena Dolmen ends her career. © Social Media

Carlotta Saracco, on the other hand, had a career marked by injuries. The 24-year-old, whose father Roberto was a coach for the men's national team, had to undergo a total of five knee operations. The last procedure took place a good four months ago after she felt pain when returning to snow after tearing her cruciate ligament. If she still believed in a comeback back then, she now had to realize: her body is no longer cooperating.

“Despite the many injuries that have prevented me from continuing my career, I have achieved much more than I ever imagined and for that I will always be proud and grateful,” Saracco wrote on social media. “I only owe the fact that I am the person I am today to this great chapter of my life.” The Italian made two World Cup starts in the slalom, but she was denied points.