On March 12, 2025, renowned ski jumper Markus Eisenbichler announced his retirement from the sport, confirming his decision via social media. The 33-year-old athlete declared, "Skispringen war mein Leben – mit Höhen und Tiefen, mit Emotionen, die kaum in Worte zu fassen sind," translating to "Ski jumping was my life—with its highs and lows, and emotions hard to put in words." His emotional message highlights both his significant successes and the hardships he faced throughout his athletic career.
Eisenbichler, who will compete for the last time at the World Cup final scheduled from March 27-30, 2025, at Planica, Slovenia, is celebrated for his six World Championship titles, which make him the most successful German ski jumper to date. Among his achievements, he captured the gold medal during the 2019 World Championships held in Seefeld/Innsbruck, securing gold in both the individual and team events. His Olympic success included winning bronze with the team during the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing.
Despite his illustrious career, the past years have been fraught with challenges. Eisenbichler struggled to maintain his competitive edge, recently dealing with knee problems and inconsistent performances. He had to step back from the World Cup circuit and faced health-related challenges, resulting in his absence from several key events including the prestigious Four Hills Tournament and the World Championships in Trondheim. The culmination of these obstacles led to his retirement announcement, as he expressed his sentiment: "Ich habe meinen Traum gelebt und bin unendlich dankbar. Aber ich freue mich auch auf das, was kommt: neue Herausforderungen, neue Erlebnisse und endlich Zeit für Dinge, die bisher etwas zu kurz gekommen sind," meaning, "I have lived my dream and am infinitely grateful. But I also look forward to what is to come: new challenges, new experiences, and finally time for things I have previously neglected."
Eisenbichler's career began with his World Cup debut during the 2011-2012 season, where he quickly established himself as a key member of the German ski jumping team. Over his 20-year career, he not only boasted multiple individual and team victories but also showcased remarkable feats, including setting the German ski flying record at 248 meters. His participation at the world level and his interactions with fans solidified his status as one of the sport’s stars, earning him affection both from supporters and colleagues alike.
"Mit Markus Eisenbichler verlässt einer der ganz großen Skispringer die Weltcup-Bühne," stated Horst Hüttel, the DSV Sport Director, emphasizing Eisenbichler's contributions and significance to the sport. He went on to highlight the admiration Eisenbichler garnered for his dedication and openness throughout his career, which cemented his popularity within the ski jumping community.
Reflecting not just on accolades, Eisenbichler acknowledged the emotional rollercoaster of competitive sports, explaining how achievements are balanced against challenges, with heartfelt sentiments about his time on the slopes. His comments resonate with many athletes who face the duality of triumphs and setbacks, feeling the weight of expectation both from themselves and their fans.
Looking to the future, Eisenbichler has hinted at potentially taking on coaching roles after his retirement, aiming to share his extensive experience and passion for ski jumping with the next generation. "Ich freue mich auf das, was kommt: neue Herausforderungen... und endlich Zeit für Dinge, die bisher etwas zu kurz gekommen sind," he reiterated, expressing eagerness for his next chapter.
Before officially concluding his impressive career, Eisenbichler will take part in the upcoming Raw-Air Tour taking place at Holmenkollen, Oslo, which starts on March 13, 2025. He has expressed his intention to" noch einmal alles geben", or give it his all one last time, as he prepares for his final competitions.
With his last appearance at Planica, where it all began for him with his first victory, Eisenbichler prepares to leave the competitive field of ski jumping, carrying with him the memories, challenges, and achievements of over two decades. Fans and the wider ski jumping community alike look forward to celebrating this outstanding athlete's legacy as he bids farewell to the sport he has dedicated his life to.