At the age of 30, Rosina Schneeberger has announced her retirement from professional skiing, citing numerous injuries that have marked her career. The decision comes after careful consideration, as she now looks forward to new challenges.
Rosina Schneeberger, the Austrian ski star, has decided to end her professional skiing career with immediate effect. After years of struggling with multiple injuries, the 30-year-old has chosen to hang up her skis for good.
In an Instagram post, Schneeberger shared her difficult decision, stating, “After careful consideration, I have decided to retire from skiing and end my professional career as a ski racer.” She reflected on the journey she has had, acknowledging that it wasn’t always easy. “Skiing was an important part of my life, bringing me unforgettable experiences, valuable friendships, and successes,” she wrote.
Reflecting on the highs and lows
Schneeberger described her career as a “hell of a ride,” filled with many ups and downs, including injuries that have now led her to conclude that she is no longer willing to take the full risk required to compete at the top level. “I may not have achieved all my dreams, but I am grateful for the years I’ve had and that I never gave up,” she said. “Every challenge, every setback, and every victory has shaped me into who I am today.”
As she moves on from her skiing career, Schneeberger expressed her readiness to embrace new opportunities. “I believe this is the right moment to close this chapter and start a new one,” she told her followers on Instagram.
A career marked by achievements
Rosina Schneeberger made her World Cup debut in March 2013 and went on to compete in a total of 49 World Cup races and 133 European Cup races. Her best World Cup result was a ninth-place finish in the combined event. In the European Cup, the 30-year-old achieved eleven podium finishes, including two victories.
Rosina Schneeberger is a prominent figure in alpine skiing, with technical prowess and versatility across multiple disciplines, particularly in Super-G and Giant Slalom. Her ability to navigate challenging courses with precision and speed earned her numerous accolades, including three bronze medals at the Junior World Championships and several podium finishes in the European Cup. Fellow athletes, coaches, and fans have expressed a mix of admiration and sadness at her retirement, acknowledging her resilience and the inspiration she provided despite frequent setbacks.
The significance of Schneeberger’s departure is profound for the Austrian ski team and the broader skiing community. Her experience and skill set will be missed, especially as Austria continues to nurture new talent in a highly competitive sport. Schneeberger’s career, marked by perseverance and notable achievements, places her among the respected names in Austrian skiing history, though she may not have reached the legendary status of icons like Annemarie Moser-Pröll or Hermann Maier. Her journey reflects the challenges and triumphs of professional skiing, and her legacy will undoubtedly influence future generations of skiers. As she transitions to new ventures, including plans to run a food truck and complete her ski instructor certification, Schneeberger leaves behind a legacy of dedication and passion for the sport.