She is the most successful German ski jumper: Katharina Schmid has now announced the end of her career. After the Olympic season it’s over for the Oberstdorfer. The 29-year-old announced this at a press event.
Katharina Schmid ends her great career after the Olympic season – at the best ski jumping age of 29. “I am extremely, extremely grateful that I had the privilege of growing up in this sport and growing with this sport,” said the Oberstdorfer in Fischen, very close to her home, at an emotional press conference by the German Ski Association (DSV). “I was able to experience so, so much. I had such a great time,” said Schmid with a cracking voice.
Seven World title – but no Olympic gold
The Winter Olympics in Italy in February will be the last major highlight of her extraordinary career. “I don’t just want to be there. I really want to be ready and be able to fight for the medals.”
She won seven world championship titles under her maiden name Althaus, and she won silver twice at the Olympics. Almost four years ago they were disqualified from the mixed competition in Beijing and the German team remained without a medal. Her last chance for Olympic gold will be next February at the competitions in Predazzo.
For years for Four Hills Tournament fought for women
Schmid’s departure doesn’t come as much of a surprise. She had kept the option open over the past few years, especially since her three World Cup gold medals in Planica 2023, and also thought about family planning with her husband Patrick.
Even the prospect of a first-ever Four Hills Tournament for women, for which the path is clear next winter and for which Schmid has fought for years, does not change her plans. The women’s tour now comes just too late for the Allgäu woman. The Allgäu native always saw herself as a fighter for more gender equality in ski jumping. Many improvements such as tighter competition calendars, an increased World Cup program and greater media attention were important steps on the way there.
DSV sports director Horst Hüttel: “Huge loss”
Schmid made her debut in the World Cup in the 2011/12 season at the age of 15 and, together with Carina Vogt, who left in 2022, shaped German women’s ski jumping. DSV sports director Horst Hüttel spoke of a “huge loss”. However, the decision is understandable and should be respected.
Olympic champion Andreas Wellinger said with full appreciation: “She is a damn good athlete. What she has achieved over the past few years is remarkable.” Markus Eisenbichler, who resigned after last winter, calls Schmid “a cool sock”.
Source: BR24 Radio December 27, 2025 – 6:35 p.m
