Simon Ammann, ski jumping star.

“It all became too much for me”: The burden of a double life

Ski jumping star Simon Ammann is attacking again at the age of 43. He put his academic career on hold to do so.

20 November 2024

From: sn

43 years old, four-time Olympic champion and still hungry: Simon Ammann is preparing for his 28th World Cup season. But behind the brilliant successes lies an intense time that pushed the Swiss to the limits of his endurance. He critically admits: "I'm no longer the same as I was in 2009 and 2010." An allusion to the high-flyer's advanced age.

Farming instead of recreation

After a mixed last season, which Ammann ended in the Continental Cup, there was no time for the Toggenburg native to relax. Instead, he devoted himself to his business studies at the University of St. Gallen. A balancing act between the lecture hall and the ski jump that left its mark.

“It was really hard. It all became too much for me,” Ammann told the Swiss daily newspaper View and admitted that exams, mandates and life as a professional athlete put him under extreme stress. In response to the overload, Ammann scaled back his university career a little.

What comes after ski jumping?

Even if Ammann wants to attack again this winter, the question remains how long the exceptional athlete will be on the ski jump. He skillfully avoids making any concrete statements about the end of his career. One thing is clear: after graduating in summer 2025, the Swiss already has plans for the time after that - even if he has only hinted at them vaguely so far.

For Ammann, sporting goals are still the main focus this season: the World Championships in Trondheim and a solid performance in the World Cup are his priorities. Whether he will continue after that or close the chapter on ski jumping remains to be seen.