Vincent Kriechmayr is considering retiring from the ski circuit. © APA/afp / FABRICE COFFRINI

Will the ski circus soon be without Kriechmayr? "The trend..."

Vincent Kriechmayr has long been a fixture in alpine skiing. But, as with every career, the Upper Austrian's career is coming to an end – and the 33-year-old certainly has a tendency toward that.

July 24, 2025

From: never

“Sport is a hobby for me, a privilege,” Vincent Kriechmayr explained in an interview with Small newspaperHis life as a ski racer fulfills the Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV) star, which is why he doesn't need to distance himself from his favorite pastime even after a grueling season. Despite his continued fascination for the adrenaline rush on the icy slopes of the World Cup, Kriechmayr has to admit to some changes over which he has little control. "For an established athlete, it's no longer so easy to constantly attack," he admitted, reflecting on his age.

At 33, the two-time world champion appears to be at the prime of his game for a speed specialist. But with experience comes mental challenges. "I've had a lot of tricky situations, even ended up in the net," he continued. "But you still have to be at your limit, otherwise you'll run out of meters. You have to primarily trust in your abilities and attack relentlessly."

Kriechmayr considers ending his career

Next winter, the Olympic Games in Cortina d'Ampezzo are on the agenda. Can he imagine retiring after the Winter Games? "The trend is in that direction," says Kriechmayr. "But who knows." In 2021, he won a World Championship gold medal in downhill and super-G in Cortina, and in the same season he also bagged the small crystal globe in super-G. "But I would have liked to have won more. I think everyone would say that when they retire, except maybe Marcel Hirscher," said the 18-time World Cup champion.

Vincent Kriechmayr with his gold medal in Cortina d'Ampezzo. © APA / EXPA/JOHANN GRODER

An Olympic medal is still missing from Kriechmayr's collection, and the major event in northern Italy is "definitely a goal." However, the Austrian doesn't want to focus too much on the Olympics. "But next week, skiing starts in Zermatt, and I'm looking forward to that," he said, shifting his focus to preparing for what could be his final World Cup season.