Swiss Ski Racer Yannick Chabloz retires at 25 Due to Injury
Twenty-five-year-old swiss alpine ski racer Yannick Chabloz announced his retirement on December 27, 2024, ending a promising career cut short by a persistent back injury. The injury, sustained during a race in Bormio, Italy, in 2022, has plagued Chabloz for the past two years, leading to this tough decision.
“It has now been exactly two years as my fall in Bormio. After this long journey with many ups and downs, the time has come for me to retire from alpine ski racing,” Chabloz shared on social media. “it is probably the hardest decision of my life, but I have taken enough time to listen to my feelings and my body so that I can make this decision with a clear mind and a heart full of love for this sport.”
Speed coach Vitus Lüönd had previously expressed concerns about Chabloz’s future, stating, “I fear that we will never see Yannick at the start of a World Cup race again.” His prediction, unfortunately, proved accurate.
A Career Marked by Highlights Despite Setback
Despite the premature end to his competitive career, Chabloz boasts a notable list of accomplishments. His best World Cup result was a 13th-place finish in a downhill race in Val Gardena. He competed in the Beijing Olympics and secured a victory in a European Cup race. Adding to his impressive resume, he earned a third-place finish in the Super-G at the 2020 Junior World Championships in Narvik.
In his farewell message, Chabloz expressed gratitude: “I would like to thank my family, my teammates, competitors and friends, my coaches, my sponsors and supporters. I hope to see you all again soon in my next chapter.”
Chabloz’s story resonates with athletes across various disciplines who face career-ending injuries. His graceful acceptance of his situation and his focus on the future serve as an inspiration, reminding us that perseverance and resilience extend beyond the playing field.
Yannick Chabloz, a 25-year-old Swiss alpine ski racer, announced his retirement on December 27, 2024, due to a persistent back injury sustained during a race in Bormio, Italy, in 2022. [1]
