Jonas Müller ends his career at 28. © APA / EXPA/JOHANN GRODER

At 28 years old: Austria's luge star retires

Luge athlete Jonas Müller has announced his retirement from competitive track racing at the age of 28. The silver medalist in the singles event at the Milan/Cortina Winter Olympics made his decision on Sunday. Müller cited motivational issues as the reason for his retirement.

31 May 2026

From: apa

“The hunger for success has subsided, it is the right time to open a new chapter away from competitive sports,” said the Vorarlberg native, who was singles world champion in Oberhof in 2023.

He also became world champion in the sprint in Winterberg in 2019. The Vorarlberg native will retire as reigning European champion, having secured his third consecutive gold medal at the continental championships in Oberhof in January. He had already won the European title in the singles luge in Winterberg and Innsbruck in previous years. He also holds a world championship title in the U23 category.

The Olympics remained a dream for a long time.

Müller made his World Cup debut at the end of 2016, but had to wait almost ten years for his first Olympic appearance. He missed the Winter Games in Beijing; his form wasn't up to par that winter. Looking back, Müller said it was a "extreme setback." However, he added: "In retrospect, it actually made me stronger. I changed my mindset, approached things less intensely. Nothing is mandatory, everything is possible – with that attitude, the ease and, consequently, the quality returned."

At the 2026 Olympics, Müller (left) celebrated alongside South Tyrolean Dominik Fischnaller (right) and Max Langenhan. © ANSA / DANIEL DAL ZENNARO

In 2023, he won the World Championship title, and in 2024, he became European Champion for the first time on his home track in Innsbruck. In Cortina, he won silver in the singles event as well as silver with the team relay. Looking back, Müller said that fulfilling his "dream" of competing in the Olympics had been his ultimate goal.

Lacks motivation for the next season

The Bludenz native has also racked up nine World Cup victories. However, he now lacks the motivation to compete at the top level in the future. "A season lasts 14 weeks, and preparation stretches over eight months. I would have had to be back in full training long ago to be able to make any demands." Luge Federation President Markus Prock expressed understanding for the decision. He wished Müller all the best for the future. "Jonas has helped bring luge to an even bigger stage with his achievements. He has always supported the team, and we will certainly miss him as a person and as an athlete. He will always remain part of the luge family."