The ski racer Thomas Dreßen has announced his retirement. On Saturday he wants to take part in the Streif downhill run in Kitzbühel one last time – the race where he once celebrated his greatest success.
The ski racer Thomas Dreßen resigns. He made the surprise announcement on Thursday. On Saturday he wants to compete in the last race: the Streif downhill in Kitzbühel. There, where he celebrated his greatest and most emotional success to date in 2018. He’s looking forward to his farewell trip: “What could be more dignified than ending your career in Kitzbühel? I want to enjoy that again.” Dreßen, however, is skipping the downhill race on Friday.
“It was always clear to me that I wanted to get back to the top. At the moment it’s not possible for me to be at the front again,” explained the 30-year-old at a press conference in Kitzbühel and added: “I’m absolutely happy with myself Reinen, I gave it my all.” The decision was not easy for him. Dreßen emphasized that there is life after competitive sports and that he wants to be able to continue doing sports with his children later on.
During the long drive home from Wengen in Switzerland, the first thoughts of retirement arose, said the SC Mittenwald athlete. After the disappointing race on the Lauberhorn downhill run, Dreßen gave an emotional interview: “You really give it your all and I really try everything, but it’s bitter when your body just doesn’t play along anymore,” he explained. The Upper Bavarian also reported renewed pain and fought back tears.
Lots of setbacks after injuries
The 30-year-old has struggled with several injury-related setbacks in recent years. On November 30, 2018, Dreßen fell in Beaver Creek – torn cruciate ligament, total damage to his right knee and damaged his hip. The speed specialist celebrated several comebacks, but never reached the class he once did. He celebrated his last World Cup victory in 2020 in Saalbach-Hinterglemm in Austria. In the current season he was well behind the leaders. An 18th place in the Super-G in Val Gardena shortly before Christmas was the best result.
In Kitzbühel, Dreßen took part in the first training session on Tuesday, but he skipped the second one on Wednesday. In total he has five World Cup victories. He achieved the biggest and most emotional one in 2018 on the Streif, where he is now competing in his last race. He was on the podium five times. No German speed driver was more successful than him. The resignation of the most successful German speed skier hits the German Ski Association in the middle of a crisis for the speed team.
In the video: Dreßen’s historic victory in Kitzbühel 2018
“Here is Bavaria”: The BR24 newsletter informs you every Monday to Friday at the end of the day about the most important things of the day at a glance – compact and directly in your private inbox. Click here to register!
Source: BR24Sport on the radio January 18, 2024 – 3:35 p.m
