He is one of the stars of the white circus, one of his finest records. Or rather he was. Matthias Mayer, the Austrian triple Olympic champion in alpine skiing, has indeed surprised the circuit with the announcement of his retirement this Thursday just before a super-G which he was to start in Bormio, Italy. He had just recognized the course of the race when he made everyone … short.
At 32, Mayer therefore leaves the circuit in the middle of the season after having completed his record in twelve years of career. He has four Olympic medals including three titles (super-G gold in 2018 and 2022, downhill gold in 2014, downhill bronze in 2022), as well as 45 podiums including 11 World Cup victories.
“I don’t feel like it anymore”
“I had a wonderful last season with a third Olympic title and I started this one well, I’m happy. But I’ve had enough. I did my last inspection today, I no longer have the necessary desire, ”he told Austrian television ORF just after recognizing Bormio’s super-G course, scheduled for the end of morning.
Already on Wednesday, the Austrian champion had withdrawn for the descent, citing the fact that he was sick. He is therefore not at the start this Thursday of the super-G, which takes place in Bormio (Italy). For the immense champion that he is, one could have imagined another more prestigious outing. “I no longer have enough appetite,” he told Austrian television. I understand that my decision may come as a surprise, but competitive sport is now behind me. I have lots of great memories and I look forward to what’s to come. »
Before this announcement, which is a real thunderbolt in the small world of alpine skiing, Matthias Mayer had started the new winter season rather well. The now new retiree had won two fourth places in downhill at Lake Louise (Canada) on November 26 and at Beaver Creek (United States) on December 3 and therefore his last podium at Val Gardena (Italy) on December 17 with a final medal. bronze.