Career Termination: The Remnants of Skiing Career for Anna Schillinger, Former World Cup Skier from the Ski Circus of Regensburg
With a Burst of Unexpected Realization
There came a moment, back in February 2025, that Anna Schillinger, the Regensburg skier who graced six World Cup races and 74 European Cup appearances, couldn't ignore. "This isn't cutting it anymore," she admitted, recognizing her lack of progress. At the tender age of 24, she made a bold decision – a decision that, for many, is made much later in life.
Chasing Olympic Dreams
Her ambition, however, wasn't new. It took root when she competed in her first race at age ten. The Olympics was her goal, an ambition that pushed the boundaries for a speed skier her age, as athletes at that level typically reach their prime in their late 20s or early 30s, Anna recalls. "But I realized I was far from making it. I didn't want to wait another five years. If it starts at 29, that's too late for me. I want to build a life after my career too."
Parental Pride Ain't Enough
Results alone could've changed her mind. Unfortunately, even in her four World Cup starts in St. Anton and Garmisch-Partenkirchen, they never materialized. Twice she didn't finish, 40th in the downhill in Garmisch, 46th in the Super G in St. Anton – not the results she aimed for. "Of course, they're proud. But I was disappointed. I wanted to make the top 30, and I couldn't," she admitted. Strange occurrences also weighed heavily on her shoulders. "In Garmisch, it was dark, bumpy, four girls crashed... I didn't want to push my limits anymore. I was just happy to finish safely."
"I used to watch crashes," she quipped, "but suddenly I didn't want to be one."
A Changing Perspective at the Edge
The risk-taking spirit that once defined her began to wane. "I always thought I'd give it my all, and if I got injured, so be it." But one day, she realized - "I had the whole season thinking, hopefully, nothing happens. That was new for me." It wasn't just the fear of injury that changed her outlook. There were incidents – like Tereza Nova's devastating crash in Garmisch, leaving her in a wheelchair, or the Italian Matilde Lorenzi, who lost her life during glacier training in the Schnalstal – that made Anna pause.
"Thinking is bad when you want to go fast." Suddenly, the protective instinct Anna had suppressed for years came to the forefront. "So, I drew the line – and I did it without resentment."
Services Rendered
The beautiful memories she'd carved out, the lifelong friendships she forged, and the experiences she'd lived through... they all stayed with her. "I learned what limits are and how to push them. The love for skiing remains," she says, adding that she'd even started her ski instructor training. "In St. Moritz, I had more fun skiing than I had in a long time." She wanted to share her experience with the SWC children, to help them grow.
Anna Schillinger's New Lease of Life
With her last race being the customs championships in Italy – a slalom, no less – Anna prepares for a new life. She's been evaluating her options, from broadcasting and sports journalism to physiotherapy. But ultimately, her heart led her to pursue a psychology degree in Innsbruck. "It's a subject that really interests me, and I'm looking forward to it."
As Anna Schillinger embarks on this new journey, she reflects on her career, blending her memories with the sensational experiences that shaped her:
- Races: Anna Schillinger, born and raised in Regensburg, made her FIS race debut on November 25, 2017, in Pfelders/Austria, finishing 28th in the giant slalom. Her first European Cup start was in the Super G at St. Moritz on December 10, 2019. Her best results include two 14th places. She's stood on the podium four times at the German Championships, winning the Super G title in 2023.
- World Cup: Over six World Cup races – two each in St. Anton and Garmisch-Partenkirchen during the 24/25 season – she finished in the top 50 three times: 40th in the downhill in Garmisch on January 11, 2025, is her best result. She also placed 42nd in the Super G in Garmisch on her debut on January 30, 2021, and 46th in the downhill in St. Anton in 2025.
In her pursuit of a new life beyond skiing, Anna Schillinger aims to channel her passion for the sport into helping others. She plans to share her skiing experiences and knowledge with SWC children as a ski instructor.
As she embraces the next chapter of her journey, Anna is also considering diverse career paths such as broadcasting, sports journalism, physiotherapy, and psychology, ultimately deciding to pursue a psychology degree in Innsbruck, a subject that deeply interests her.
