Downhill skiing ace Max Franz is fighting for his sporting future. © Social Media / M. Franz

Another setback: Is Max Franz about to resign?

Max Franz made his comeback in Val Gardena in December. But after further setbacks, the Austrian downhill skier is considering ending his career.

July 22, 2026

From: sn

The downward spiral seems to have no end for Max Franz. After the downhill skier made his long-awaited comeback on the Saslong in December, he had to undergo another operation in the spring. "I just don't want to be in pain anymore," the 36-year-old now tells the newspaper. Kronen Zeitung.

Franz was subsequently not selected for the Austrian national ski team for the upcoming season. Was this the final blow after almost four years of suffering? At least Franz seemed to have fought his way back in October 2022 in Copper Mountain after a serious training crash (multiple fractures in both legs).

Now he has to get himself fit for the upcoming winter. Franz isn't ruling out a skiing return just yet, though. "I don't know what my future holds," said the Carinthian. Franz concluded by saying that he'll only come back if his body allows it. "Only then is continuing an option," he added.