Thomas Dreßen won the Streif in Kitzbühel in 2018, he is one of the best downhill skiers in the world. But then injuries keep throwing Upper Bavaria back. Now he has to end his career.
At the site of his greatest triumph, Thomas Dreßen’s career comes to an early end. Germany’s long-time top downhill skier will throw himself down the infamous Streif in Kitzbühel again on Saturday and then retire from active competitive sport. He skips the departure on Friday.
At the age of just 30, his body forced him to end his career after many injuries and injuries, Dreßen announced somewhat surprisingly at the team hotel of the German Ski Association (DSV) on Thursday. “It’s just that it’s not physically possible to be at the front,” he said. “Of course the decision wasn’t easy for me.” 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.
Sensational victory in Kitzbühel and many injuries
In January 2018, Dreßen sensationally raced to victory in Kitzbühel and thus catapulted himself into the world’s best. Four more World Cup successes followed in the downhill – no German ski racer has won more often in the supreme Alpine discipline. There are also five more podium places in the World Cup.
But numerous health setbacks also characterized Dreßen’s relatively short time in the World Cup. The Upper Bavarian has had to undergo several operations in recent years – on his hip, but especially on his right knee. He suffered, among other things, a torn cruciate ligament and cartilage damage.
Dreßen celebrated several comebacks, but never reached the same level as before. He celebrated his last World Cup victory in February 2020 in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria, where the World Cup will take place next year.