Markus Eisenbichler announces retirement from ski jumping

Markus Eisenbichler, a six-time world champion in ski jumping, has announced his retirement. The 33-year-old athlete will conclude his career after the World Cup final in Planica, scheduled from March 28 to 30, as confirmed by the German Ski Association (DSV).

„In recent months, I have thought a lot about this decision, and my gut feeling tells me it is the right time. It feels good,“ Eisenbichler stated. He added, „Ski jumping has been my life – filled with highs and lows, with emotions that are hard to put into words.“

In addition to his world championship titles in individual, mixed-team, and team events, Eisenbichler also secured an Olympic bronze medal with the team at the 2022 Beijing Games. His achievements include two silver medals and one bronze from ski flying world championships. Recently, he struggled to return to his previous performance level, and he is considering a future role as a coach.

Outstanding performance at the 2019 World Championships

DSV sports director Horst Hüttel remarked, „With Markus Eisenbichler, one of the great ski jumpers is leaving the World Cup stage. The German Ski Association is grateful to Markus for his many years of passion, energy, and, of course, numerous successes.“ Hüttel highlighted Eisenbichler’s six world titles, making him the most successful German ski jumper in history.

At the 2019 Nordic Ski World Championships in Innsbruck and Seefeld, Eisenbichler stood atop the podium three times. He became the individual world champion on the large hill. His World Cup team debut occurred during the 2011/2012 Four Hills Tournament in Oberstdorf.

Hüttel noted, „Markus has always been an athlete who sought open dialogue and never compromised his principles, which is why he was so beloved by fans and colleagues throughout the ski jumping community.“

Svenja Würth also retires

In related news, Svenja Würth, who stood on the top podium during the 2017 World Championships in Lahti, is also retiring, but as a Nordic combined athlete. The 31-year-old will make her final appearance in the World Cup final in Oslo from March 14 to 16, where she debuted in the discipline in 2020. Prior to her Nordic combined career, Würth celebrated success in ski jumping, including winning the 2017 world title in the mixed team event alongside Eisenbichler, Andreas Wellinger, and Carina Vogt.

Bundestrainer Florian Aichinger expressed the team’s sentiments, stating, „Svenja’s retirement is a significant loss for us as a team and is painful. Over the last two years, she has been an integral part of the Nordic combined national team.“

Overcoming serious injuries

Würth suffered a fracture in her cervical spine due to a fall in 2014. Reflecting on her journey, she remarked, „That this journey did not end in a wheelchair, I must have had the greatest guardian angel ever.“

She missed the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang despite being nominated due to a torn cruciate ligament. „That was hard to accept. Afterward, I struggled for a long time; I lacked motivation. This is also why I decided to switch to Nordic combined. It was a new beginning for me,“ Würth shared.