“Leaded to Depression”: A Painful Ski Retirement

Only a few athletes make it to the top in the ski circus. Most people have to give up their dream of being a professional early on and focus on other things. Esther Paslier was able to live this dream for a few years before she pulled the ripcord at the age of 25. “The decision has slowly matured over the last few months. A chapter ends with peace and the certainty of having closed the circle,” she begins her long farewell letter on social media. It is a letter in which she draws attention to grievances.

Paslier focuses on the relationship between systems and athletes. “Some duos manage to understand each other and get the best out of both of them. Others have difficulty collaborating and wear out. Some malfunctions are obvious and easy to explain, others are less tangible,” emphasizes Paslier, who struggled for a long time in such a dysfunctional system. “They arise from different views, difficulties in accepting and understanding the other person, false trust and much more. It’s about human relationships, about chemistry, or rather, about non-chemistry.”

Depression at a young age She experienced and felt this “non-chemistry” for several years. What is not true is hidden. “Skiing fast is the most important thing,” says Paslier. “This wore me down for many months and eventually led to depression. Taking medication at 22 was hard to admit. Difficult for yourself and for those around you.” After Paslier was dropped from the French squad, she trained privately for a season. “I wish I had had all the resources necessary to commit to these alternative paths on a sustained basis,” she writes.

Last spring she returned to the national team's B group. “New positive and constructive relationships were formed. Nevertheless, there are still many grievances. The passion for this sport is still there. I love life as an athlete, I enjoy training and I like to challenge myself. But that wasn't enough. “I am now convinced that within this framework I cannot find what allows me to ski with my heart and to fully exploit my abilities,” she explains.

“My body is losing energy and the fire barely burns anymore. “I therefore decide to end my career as a skier here,” are her closing words. Paslier has achieved three European Cup podiums and taken part in 29 World Cup races in her career.

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“Leaded to Depression”: A Painful Ski Retirement

Shortly before the end of the season, a ski retirement in France caused a stir. It is not injuries that play a role, but rather psychological stress that became unbearable over time.

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