Christof Innerhofer was frustrated after the race. © APA/afp / KERSTIN JOENSSON

Last Ski World Championships? Innerhofer with thoughtful words

Christof Innerhofer is a long-standing favorite in the skiing scene. But after his performance in the World Cup Super-G, the Gaiser veteran struggled - and he answered a question about his future.

07. February 2025

From Saalbach-Hinterglemm

Christof Innerhofer is without doubt one of the greatest skiers that South Tyrol has ever produced. The Gaiser has won gold medals at world championships, triumphed in the most difficult downhill races on the planet, and has over 300 World Cup races under his belt. And: He is considered one of the most charismatic and dazzling figures in the white circus.

But even the 40-year-old model athlete is not left unscathed by time. And so it is becoming increasingly challenging for the third oldest athlete in the World Cup (only Adrien Théaux and comeback athlete Lindsey Vonn are a few months older) to keep up with the absolute world elite. In the World Cup Super-G on Friday, Innerhofer finished in 24th place, almost three seconds behind. A hard blow, after which the multiple World Cup medalist seemed thoughtful in the mixed zone.

Christof Innerhofer was not able to get going on Friday. © APA / EXPA/JOHANN GRODER

"It's certainly disappointing how I went down here today," said the 40-year-old, criticizing himself: "I got another chance today, but I didn't make the most of it. In other words, I messed it up. What a pity."

Is it his last World Cup?

Innerhofer is an institution in the skiing world. He is competing in his ninth World Championship in Saalbach-Hinterglemm and is known as Mr. Tireless for good reason. Nevertheless, the question remains: is this the last World Championship in the great career of “Inner”? “It is very likely,” says the veteran.

“I’ve been struggling with my performance for three years now.” Christoph Innerhofer

Innerhofer adds: "It's logical: I think you can see how much I enjoy skiing and that I can still make fast turns. And in training I regularly show that I can still perform at the age of 40. But," he adds, "at some point it's enough. As you can see, it's not getting any easier. I've been struggling with my performance for three years now."

Innerhofer is proud to still be at a Ski World Championship at the age of 40. "That shows how far I have come with my hard work and determination. But I'm not here for numbers or statistics, I'm here to perform. And I didn't manage that today."


Here are Innerhofer's words in the audio interview: