Ten Years of Defying Retirement: The Unstoppable Simon Ammann
It's been a decade since Swiss ski jumping legend, Simon Ammann, announced his retirement. Yet, here he is, still soaring in the World Cup, leaving others in the dust while they consider hanging up their skis. At 42, Ammann remains an enigma, a master of his craft, and a perpetual source of intrigue.
Could this be Ammann's final swan song, his grand plan to outlast everyone and keep jumping forever? A lasting testament to his unmatched skill and enduring love for the sport? Or perhaps, a magical performance worthy of the "Harry Potter of ski jumping"?
The coming weeks will mark the tenth anniversary of Ammann's first retirement announcement. Yet, like a phoenix yet to be burned, he rises, preparing for his home World Cup in Engelberg, where he's been competing for a quarter of a century.
"How about he just keeps going forever?" Swiss radio asked with a hint of jest in 2018. And Ammann? He's still flying, half-seriously. "To be frank," says the double Olympic champion (2002 and 2010), "I'm the only amateur athlete in the World Cup." And the double hobbyist – ski jumper and pilot – continues to secure points in his 26th season.
Farewell may drag on like the Rolling Stones' never-ending tour
If Ammann chose to retire, nobody would begrudge the most iconic Swiss athlete, alongside tennis giant, Roger Federer. Retiring just six weeks younger, but also quite late, Ammann has always carried an air of invincibility. A passionate rock fan, he embodies the everlasting spirit of the Rolling Stones, whose own farewell has yet to be declared.
In 2014, Ammann announced that he would "99 percent no longer be in Pyeongchang," suggesting an end to his storied career. But obituaries have been penned every year since, heralding the end, only for Ammann to resurface at the World Championships and Olympic Games.
He's been joking about these retirement rumors ever since, somewhat reluctantly denying that those events – his last Four Hills Tournament, his last World Championships, his last Winter Games – might truly have been his swansong.
While Ammann hasn't established a firm timeline for his departure, he did share in 2021 that he was currently focusing on the daily aspects of his career. "I'm not even thinking about the big picture right now," he said. And isn't it wonderful to be the center of attention?
Discover More:
Despite ongoing retirement speculations, Simon Ammann remains a force in winter sports, captivating audiences with his career-defining achievements and Harry Potter-esque determination.
Enrichment Data:
Contrary to some beliefs, Simon Ammann has not retired multiple times. Rather, rumors of his retirement have arisen throughout his career, but he has continued to compete at a high level, securing numerous medals, including multiple Olympic gold medals.
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