After four cruciate ligament tears
“Tried everything again”: Ski ace announces end of career
Updated March 4, 2026 – 9:05 a.mReading time: 2 minutes
During her career she suffered four cruciate ligament tears, but always fought back. Ski racer Joana Hählen will now retire.
Joana Hählen is ending her career as a ski racer after 13 years. The 34-year-old speed specialist said in a statement from Swiss-Ski that her resignation was “not a spontaneous decision,” “but rather the end of a long process.”
Hählen suffered a total of four cruciate ligament tears during her career. 2011, 2014, 2018 and most recently 2024. “After my injury two years ago, I gave everything, mentally and physically, to reach the limit again. But my head and body didn’t always want to take the risk,” Hählen explained the last two years.
At the finish line at the World Cup in Soldeu last weekend, she knew: “It’s right to stop. I tried everything again and I’m proud of that.”
In the 13 years of her career, Hählen made it to the World Cup podium five times (second three times, third twice), but she did not manage to win. Nevertheless, she described these results as “unforgettable highlights.” At the same time, she also learned something from her injury history: “From four cruciate ligament tears, I learned how strong the body and mind can be, and that more is often possible than you think.”
Hählen also wrote on Instagram that with this decision her last race could take place next Sunday. Then the women’s Super-G takes place in Val di Fassa. The World Cup finals are still scheduled for March 22nd in Hafjell and Kvitfjell, Norway, but only the top 25 are allowed there. However, Hählen is in 41st place ahead of Val di Fassa.
She already has “initial ideas” for her future. However, nothing is completely concrete. “Now I want to enjoy the final races, spend time with the people I care about and be open to whatever life has in store,” she concluded.
