Skier Luitz Announces Retirement, Expresses Sorrow: "I'm Not content"
German alpine skier Stefan Luitz has decided to retire from his illustrious career after 15 years in the Ski World Cup. The 33-year-old Swabian shared the news on Instagram with a heartfelt message, stating, "It's tough to put these words together. This performance sport has molded me, not just as an athlete, but as a person."
Luitz, whose biggest successes came in the giant slalom, had a rollercoaster ride throughout his career, battling injuries, including multiple ACL tears. Despite these setbacks, he posted ten World Cup podium finishes, including a triumphant win, won team World Championship medals, and participated in the Olympics.
The intensity of these experiences, he wrote, was heightened by moments that required mental fortitude more than physical prowess. Luitz, who was disqualified from a World Cup event in 2018 for using supplemental oxygen between runs, found successes in his professional journey that once seemed like dreams as a child.
Although no specific injuries mentioned in the search results precipitated his retirement, Luitz announced his departure from the World Cup circuit, marking the end of his competitive skiing career. The full impact and reasons for his decision may surface with further sources.
In the midst of his retirement announcement, Luitz reminisced about his intense journey in sports, particularly hockey, as he found a profound connection with the sport of alpine skiing. Despite their different natures, hockey's requirements for mental fortitude resonated with him, much like his own experiences in giant slalom.
