A former ski racer has become a mother, but went through some anxious hours. © Instagram

Anxious hours after the birth: Former ski star is a mother

A former star skier has become a mother again – but she had to endure dramatic hours.

07 January 2026

From: det

During her career, she was considered a flamboyant character, attracting attention not only with her athletic achievements but also with her unusual outfits (including the bunny ears on her helmet). Now, however, Resi Stiegler has fully embraced motherhood. The American has started a family with her husband, David Ketterer, also a former skier. Just a few hours ago, the ski couple welcomed their third daughter.

“Welcome to this big, beautiful world, little Riva,” the 40-year-old wrote on Instagram. “There is no greater feeling in the world than when my baby – just moments after realizing that I have created life – crawls up my body. In these moments, I know that there is no greater task and no greater purpose than to protect and guide these souls,” Stiegler wrote emotionally.

Life-saving measures

However, she also explained that dramatic hours unfolded after Riva's birth. "I had massive bleeding, and all life-saving measures were put to the test," Stiegler said. "The doctors and medical staff did an incredible job under those circumstances—the timing was crucial. I can't thank the St. John's team enough. These people work tirelessly, with a strength and heart that shines through precisely when it matters most. After this incredible experience, I am forever grateful to them."

Resi Stiegler repeatedly caused a stir throughout her career. © AFP / FREDERICK FLORIN

An experience that gave Stiegler pause for thought. "Life is wild and so fleeting, and in times like these, many things become very clear. I'm very happy to be back home with my babies and to slowly start the new year." The 179-time World Cup competitor called on her fans to donate blood. "I, for one, will be doing that this year."

Check out this post on Instagram

A post shared by Resi Stiegler (@resistigler)

The Stiegler ski family can now look forward to happy weeks, months, and years. Riva has two older sisters, little Rosi (3) and little Romi (1). Will one or more of the girls be seen in the World Cup sooner or later? In any case, their mother Resi (who reached the podium once) and father David Ketterer (45 World Cup starts) have had remarkable skiing careers.