Wendy Holdener could be competing in her last Olympic Games. © APA/afp / MARCO BERTORELLO

A Swiss ski star hints at Olympic retirement

Wendy Holdener will be in contention for a medal in the women's slalom on Wednesday. It could be the Swiss skier's last appearance at the Olympic Games.

February 18, 2026

From: never

Whether at the Olympic Games or World Championships, Wendy Holdener could always be relied upon in the crucial moments. Besides her Olympic gold medal in the Alpine Combined eight years ago, she has also won two silver and two bronze medals at the Winter Games. At the World Championships, she boasts an impressive nine medals – including two titles in the combined event and one in the team competition. But her hunger for more isn't yet satisfied. "I'd like even more," Holdener said in an interview with... View.

However, she doesn't expect to win too many more medals. According to the Swiss skier, participation in the 2027 World Championships in Crans-Montana is planned, "then we'll see." In other words: The women's slalom on Wednesday (10:00/13:30 in the SportNews-Live ticker) at the Olympic Games in Cortina d'Ampezzo could be her last appearance under the five rings.

Holdener on Vonn: "I take my hat off to her"

Now, Lindsey Vonn's example has shown that you can still be a top contender even at the age of 41. However, according to the 32-year-old, different rules apply in slalom and giant slalom. "I take my hat off to her. I don't know if I could do that. In slalom, explosiveness is more important than in downhill – and it diminishes with age," Holdener noted.

Wendy Holdener is keeping her future open. © APA/afp / STEFANO RELLANDINI

“At some point, it’s time to do something else,” she says. Furthermore, she doesn’t want to prioritize competitive sports over her physical health; she wants to be able to enjoy skiing even after her career ends. “After retiring, I have to make sure I stay fit so I can still make cool turns like I do now.”