Markus Eisenbichler, the celebrated German ski jumper, has announced his retirement from the sport after the current season. The announcement came via his Instagram channel on March 12, 2025, where he expressed his feelings about stepping away from competitive skiing. "I will end my sports career after Planica," he stated, confirming plans to compete one last time at the World Cup finals scheduled for March 28 to 30, 2025, in Slovenia.
Eisenbichler's decision was not made lightly; he shared, "It has not been easy for me. I have thought about this for the past few months, and my gut feeling tells me: it's the right time. It feels good to end it now." His emotional farewell highlights how deeply intertwined skiing has been with his life: "Ski jumping was my life – with highs and lows, with emotions difficult to put in words."
The athlete, now 33 years old, boasts six World Championship titles, making him the most successful ski jumper in German history. His remarkable career includes winning his first World Cup competition at Planica back in 2019, as well as winning Olympic bronze with the team during the 2022 Olympics held in Beijing. This year, Eisenbichler faced challenges on the slopes, such as being sidelined from the World Cup squad due to performance issues and missing the World Championships held earlier this year in Trondheim.
Date marks last competition will be particularly poignant, as Eisenbichler also previously set the German ski flying record of 248 meters at Planica, solidifying the venue's significance to him throughout his career. Reflecting on his achievements, he noted, "I have lived my dream and am infinitely grateful for it. But I'm also excited for what's coming next: new challenges, new experiences, and finally time for things I have neglected."
Over his impressive career, Eisenbichler has consistently been known for his competitiveness and remarkable resilience. Following his debut on the World Cup circuit during the 2011/12 season, he rapidly became integral to the German ski jumping team. He highlights how the sport has shaped him and reflects on its emotional rollercoaster: "Ski jumping feels quite like going 300 km/h in your car: It’s exhilarating, yet there's always some fear. You can't escape the thrill of it."
His retirement has also drawn reactions from community members and sports organizers alike, including DSV Sports Director Horst Hüttel, who noted, "With Markus Eisenbichler, one of the greats of ski jumping is leaving the World Cup stage. The German Ski Federation is immensely grateful to Markus for his commitment and countless successes during his time. His six World Championship titles are nothing short of remarkable, affirming his legacy within this sport."
The sentiment surrounding his retirement extends beyond achievements, highlighting the impact he has made both as athlete and as individual. According to Hüttel, "Markus was always one to seek open dialogue and was never one to conform. That’s why he was so beloved among fans and fellow competitors alike."
Despite the current conclusion of his competitive career, Eisenbichler's future may still involve the sport he loves. There is talk about him taking on coaching roles post-retirement, something he is open to exploring. "I can see myself working as a trainer, and I hope to stay connected to the sport," he expressed, indicating his desire to mentor future generations.
While he prepares for his last round of jumps, Eisenbichler reflects with nostalgia as he gears up for these final competitions. "It will be emotional. I will carry all these memories with me as I step off the ramp one last time." The upcoming event at Planica is set not only to conclude his athletic chapter but also to celebrate the phenomenal career of one of ski jumping's most glowing stars.
Markus Eisenbichler’s impact on ski jumping cannot be overstated. His name is etched within the annals of the sport, and his farewell will undoubtedly evoke fond memories and admiration from fans and athletes around the globe.