As of: February 17, 2024, 2:48 p.m
By: Christian Nemeth
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Shortly before a proud World Cup anniversary, Swiss ski racer Ralph Weber announced the end of his career.
Kvitfjell - After exactly 100 World Cup races it's over: Swiss ski racer Ralph Weber has announced the official end of his career on his
account.
The 30-year-old, who suffered a serious injury last year, has decided to end his ups and downs career.
Ralph Weber\t |
|
|---|---|
Born: |
May 31, 1993 in St. Gallen |
World Cup debut: |
March 15, 2012 |
Greatest successes: |
1x Junior World Champion, 23rd place in the Super-G World Cup (2015/16) |
“Your whole life changes”: ski ace Ralph Weber ends his career
“I think this decision is one of the most emotional of any athlete’s career, no matter how many highs or lows it has had or how long it lasts,” Ralph Weber noted alongside an Instagram clip lasting several minutes shortly before his final World Cup appearance in Kvitfjell, Norway , in which the speed specialist explains, among other things, his motives.
In the video, the winter athlete from St. Gallen explains how he got into ski racing: Even as a small boy, he enthusiastically followed the performances of stars of the time such as Daniel Albrecht, Marc Berthod and Ambrosi Hoffmann on television.
His World Cup debut in the Super-G in Schladming in March 2012 was particularly emotional, when his career started and that of his idol Didier Cuche ended similarly.
“I knew then, this is what you’ve always dreamed of, and a long, interesting journey awaits me,” said Weber.
Ski racer Weber quits: decision was not an easy one
Weber explains in the clip that the decision to give up racing skis, at least in competitive sports, was by no means easy for him.
During his active time as a professional, the Swiss was able to record many successes, including winning the gold medal in the Super-G and silver in the downhill at the 2012 Youth World Championships in Italy, at the time when he was also named a young athlete by Swiss Sports Aid of the year had been chosen.
His best World Cup placings, however, were tenth place in the downhills in Santa Caterina (2014) and Wengen (2020).
At the same time, Ralph Weber also repeatedly experienced setbacks.
Of particular note is a herniated disc last season, which he had to end early.
Although the skiing enthusiast, who had already struggled with injuries in the past, did not give up, he worked diligently on his comeback last summer - supported by doctors, physiotherapists and his private environment - but was unable to continue in 2023/24 build on his previous achievements.
“As the season progressed, I had to admit to myself that it was no longer enough,” explained Weber on Instagram, whose best result in the current round was 32nd place.
At the age of 30, the Swiss Ralph Weber says goodbye to professional winter sports.
© IMAGO/IPA Sports
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Ski ace Ralph Weber is grateful for the support of fans
Despite the difficult decision, Ralph Weber is primarily grateful for his sporting career and also makes this clear on Instagram.
Here he wrote: “I would like to thank all the people I was able to meet on this trip, all the fans who always made it so special.
Only a few have the privilege of being able to live the dream – thank you to everyone who made this possible and walked the path with me.”
Of course, after Weber's social media post, numerous followers spoke up and paid their respects to the athlete.
One user wrote: "It's incredibly impressive how you always got up, no matter what resistance was put in your way." Another fan said: "Beautiful words!
Always been a fair sportsman.
I wish you all the best for the new phase of your life.” An absolute winter sports superstar is also thinking about his retirement these days.
(chnnn)