Stephan Leyhe, a prominent figure in the world of ski jumping, has announced that he will retire from the sport after the current season, culminating his impressive career that spanned two decades. The 33-year-old Olympian and Team World Champion revealed his decision on March 20, 2025, through a joint statement with his club, SC Willingen, noting that this has been a passionate journey but feels like the right time to conclude this chapter of his life.
While discussing his retirement, Leyhe remarked, "Im Laufe der Saison ist mir klar geworden, dass ich meine Karriere zum Ende des Winters beenden möchte. Obwohl Skispringen meine größte Leidenschaft ist, fühlt es sich gut an, dieses Kapitel nun zu beenden". This heartfelt reflection not only underscores his love for the sport but also the thoughtful consideration behind his decision.
Fans can expect to see Leyhe one last time competing at the World Cup in Lahti, Finland, where he will don the national colors for the 240th time, marking a fitting farewell to a distinguished career. Over his time in the DSV-Kader, he has been a reliable and integral member of the German national team, contributing to numerous team successes.
Among his many achievements, Leyhe was part of the team that secured silver in the team event at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics alongside notable teammates Karl Geiger, Richard Freitag, and Andreas Wellinger. The specter of Olympic glory was again palpable for him when he helped the German team claim bronze in the same event at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, alongside Constantin Schmid and Karl Geiger.
Throughout his career, Leyhe has amassed significant accolades, including a World Championship gold medal in 2019 during the championships held in Seefeld, Austria. His experience further includes winning silver at the 2016 Ski Flying World Championships and bronze in 2024, showcasing his enduring presence in both ski jumping and ski flying realms.
From 2018 to 2020, Leyhe experienced his peak moments, characterized by individual triumphs and team contributions. His standout personal success unfolded on February 8, 2020, when he won a World Cup event in Willingen, achieving his first and only World Cup victory in front of a home crowd of 30,000 enthusiastic fans. It remains a cherished memory for both him and his supporters.
Reflecting on his journey, Leyhe expressed gratitude to those who have supported him, saying, "Ich durfte über viele Jahre hinweg tolle Erfolge feiern, die ohne die Unterstützung meiner Familie, von Trainern und Betreuern, meinen Sponsoren und der Bundeswehr nicht möglich gewesen wären. Daher an dieser Stelle ein großes Dankeschön an alle, die mich in den letzten zwanzig Jahren auf den Schanzen dieser Welt begleitet haben." His words resonate deeply, echoing the sentiment and dedication that defines a career spent inspiring others.
Horst Hüttel, the Sport Director of the German Ski Association, praised Leyhe’s stability and team spirit, stating, "Stephan war über viele Jahre hinweg eine tragende Säule der Nationalmannschaft. Auf seine Leistungen war immer Verlass – nicht umsonst hat Stephan neben seinen Erfolgen im Einzel auch viele Medaillen im Team gewonnen." This acknowledgment underscores Leyhe’s importance not just as an individual athlete but as a crucial teammate, whose character and camaraderie have enriched the spirit of the national team.
Amidst his farewell, Leyhe also shared his aspirations for the future, indicating he plans to finish his architecture studies, reflecting a desire to explore new avenues after his retirement from competitive skiing.
As he prepares to bid adieu to a sport he loves, Stephan Leyhe's journey through ski jumping is one marked by resilience, achievement, and a heartfelt connection to his team and fans. His contributions to ski jumping have solidified his legacy, and as he steps away from the sport, he leaves behind a legacy that hopes to inspire the next generation of athletes.
