Ski racer Stefan Hadalin has announced his immediate retirement. The Slovenian cited health problems for his decision.
The Slovenian Stefan Hadalin is ending his career as a skier with immediate effect. The 28-year-old athlete announced this on his Instagram profile. The 2019 vice world champion justified his move with ongoing health problems.
“As you probably know, I’ve been struggling with health issues over the last few years. Unfortunately, despite all the work, time and dedication I’ve put in, I’ve reached the point where I just can’t do it anymore. I can no longer hear the signals, that my body gives me. I can no longer bear the pressure that the competitive rhythm of top-class sport brings,” he wrote on his Instagram account.
“I managed to overcome the fear”
Hadalin continued: “I achieved results that I am proud of and that will remain in my memory forever. I met many good people who became my friends. Nevertheless, I was faced with challenges, fears and trials that were insurmountable seemed difficult, but I managed to overcome them,” said the 28-year-old. The day after his statement, the Slovenian spoke in more detail about his decision at a press conference – and fought back tears.
Hadalin competed in a total of 130 World Cup races in his career. In addition to the runner-up world championship in Åre, Sweden in 2019, he won two titles in the youth category and can call himself a two-time junior world champion. In Sochi in 2016 he won the gold medal in both the team and the combination.