An Austrian Olympic hero leaves the stage. © AFP / BEN STANSALL

At 27: Austrian Olympic star retires

Daniela Ulbing has ended her career. After taking a break last season to study Applied Economics at the University of Vienna, the 2022 Olympic silver medalist will not return to competitive sport.

02 May 2025

From: apa

"Even after my time off, I wasn't able to define any performance-related goals, and that naturally affected my motivation," explained the 27-year-old. She lacks "the few percent to give my all in preparation so that I can compete for victories and podium finishes again this winter," so "now is the right time to set new priorities," Ulbing explained.

The Carinthian became World Champion in the parallel slalom in Sierra Nevada in 2017, and finished second in the parallel giant slalom at the 2023 World Championships in Bakuriani. She celebrated eleven World Cup victories and won three small crystal globes.

Daniela Ulbing is retiring. © AFP / MARCO BERTORELLO

"I feel like I've achieved a lot, so I look back on my career with pride," Ulbing said. She won't turn her back on snowboarding, however, and could imagine passing on her experiences to the next generation.