Christian Walder is repeatedly plagued by injuries. The ski star is now announcing his retirement.
Christian Walder is following in his wife Stephanie Venier’s footsteps and announcing the end of his career. The Austrian alpine ski professional cites his injury history as the reason for his retirement.
“At some point, it’s all over, and now that time has come. It was a beautiful period, but in the end, there were simply too many setbacks,” explained the 34-year-old.
“I have never experienced anything worse”
Walder had his best time during the 2020/21 World Cup season: He achieved 3rd place in the Super-G in Val d’Isere and finished the World Cup standings in the discipline as eighth.
His injury history since then has been long: two torn cruciate ligaments, a dislocated shoulder, two herniated discs, and several cartilage and meniscus injuries.
Additionally, Walder struggled with severe nerve pain, “which was partly brutal. I have never experienced anything worse. Painkillers were completely useless.”
Walder listens to his body
His injuries ultimately cost him the motivation to attack fully again. Walder also pointed out that he wants to remain fit in the future.
“At some point, you have to listen to your body. In normal life, I can do everything without any problems. It was important to me to continue pursuing my hobbies. You don’t want to be an invalid,” said the Austrian.
However, Walder remains connected to the ski sport: “I am still employed with the police as a district inspector in Millstatt and have taken over the athletic leadership in the Carinthian Ski Association in the alpine ski area. It was clear to me that I would stay connected to the ski sport; I live for this sport. “That’s what I do best.”