“Thank you mom and dad”: Emotional ski retirement

The 2024/25 ski season has been shelved. For the stars, it's now time to reflect on the winter, clear their heads, and unwind with a well-deserved vacation before preparing for the new season. And with the Olympic Games, it's going to be a very special one.

One skier, however, will no longer be there. Michelle Niederwieser, a 25-year-old downhill skier from Austria, announced her retirement this week. "It's time to say goodbye," she wrote in her emotional Instagram post, along with a video of herself as a child trying on a racing suit that was far too big.

Michelle Niederwieser in action. © APA / EXPA/JOHANN GRODER

Niederwieser competed in the World Cup a total of 14 times, finishing 23rd twice, her best placing. The Austrian competed primarily in the European Cup, where she achieved five podium finishes, including one victory.

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Last season, Niederwieser competed in the World Cup starting gate six times, but now she's calling it a day. "Thank you, skiing, it was an honor. And a huge thank you to the people who supported me every day." The young Austrian had especially warm words for her parents, who were always by her side. "Mom and Dad: Thank you for everything," Niederwieser wrote in bold letters.

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“Thank you mom and dad”: Emotional ski retirement

The end of the 2024/25 season also marks the end of the career of an Austrian downhill skier who has said an emotional goodbye.

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