“Life-saving measures”
Former ski star struggles with complications after childbirth
January 7, 2026 – 10:40 a.mReading time: 2 minutes
That probably just went well again. The American ski icon Resi Stiegler reported on a drastic experience.
New addition to the family for Resi Stiegler: The former slalom specialist from the USA and her husband David Ketterer have become parents again. The two had their third child. Stiegler also revealed the baby’s name on Instagram: “Welcome to this big, beautiful world, little girl Riva.” However, she did not mention the exact date of birth.
What she did announce, however, was that there were complications eight hours after the birth. Resi Stiegler: “I had a massive hemorrhage and all life-saving measures were put to the test. The doctors and medical staff did an excellent job under the circumstances, the timing was crucial.”
She continued: “I can’t thank the medical staff at St. John’s enough. These people work tirelessly and with a strength and heart that truly shines through in moments like these. I am eternally grateful to them after this incredible experience.”
This situation showed her once again “how wild and fleeting life is.” The family is now reunited at home. Since she received blood transfusions at birth, Stiegler also expressed her gratitude to everyone who donates blood – and announced: “This is something new that we will also be doing this year.”
Now Stiegler is only looking ahead. “There is no better feeling in the world than when my baby crawls up my body just after you realize you have created life,” Stiegler wrote. There is no greater task and no greater meaning than protecting these souls. “This is the greatest gift.”
Stiegler ended her active career in March 2021. In her career she competed in 178 World Cup races, finished in the top ten 25 times and was on the podium once.