A Swiss skier (here in front of the Matterhorn) has retired. © ANSA / JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BOTT

Swiss ski retirement: "Leading a normal life"

A Swiss downhill skier has announced his retirement in an emotional way.

July 17, 2026

From: sn

Christophe Torrent has ended his active career. The 26-year-old feels compelled to give up competitive sports due to persistent health problems. In recent years, Torrent rose to the Ski World Cup circuit, competing in a total of four World Cup downhill races in Kitzbühel, Bormio, Crans-Montana, and Kvitfjell.

The speed specialist celebrated his greatest sporting success in the European Cup. In February 2025, he won the downhill race in his hometown of Crans-Montana and achieved a total of four podium finishes at this competition level. However, Torrent's career was repeatedly overshadowed by health setbacks. In particular, persistent back problems caused by an inflammatory joint disease plagued him.

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A post shared by Christophe Torrent (@cclaterreur)

On Instagram, the Valais native bid farewell with emotional words: “With a touch of sadness, but also with the wisdom of finally listening to Mémé Agnès, who always told me to lead a normal life, I decide today to end my career as a ski racer.”