After an eventful time: Former downhill skier now married

After eventful, even turbulent months and years, a former Swiss downhill skier has celebrated a major highlight.

July 21, 2026

From: sn

Katja Grossmann had a remarkable career, and the time she went through afterwards was also eventful. Now the former Swiss downhill skier is personally happy: she has gotten married.

But first, let's take a look back. Katja Grossmann was once a great prospect in Switzerland. In 2017, she won the silver medal in the downhill at the Junior World Championships, and experts were already comparing her to Beat Feuz. But a major career eluded the now 29-year-old. A large reason for this: numerous serious injuries. And so, Grossmann's career came to an early end in December 2024, after just two World Cup races and 46 European Cup starts.

She became a nurse in no time at all.

At the same time, however, a new career began: Grossmann started training as a nurse during her sporting career, and only a few months after her retirement, the Swiss woman received her diploma.

Katja Grossmann in action: She was a talented downhill skier. © AFP / MARCO BERTORELLO

“I’m finally a nurse,” she wrote on Instagram at the time. This rapid career change caused quite a stir, especially since Grossmann got the inspiration for her new job during her many hospital stays due to injuries.

Check out this post on Instagram
A post shared by Katja Schild (@katjaschild)

Today, the former downhill skier is completely happy with her new life. A life that now holds another highlight. She has married her longtime boyfriend and also changed her last name: From now on, she will be known as Katja Schild. Once a great skiing talent, now a nurse and happily married – it's a beautiful story that Katja Grossmann, or rather Schild, has written.

Keywords Winter sports Alpine skiing