The ski racer Thomas Dreßen is resigning. The Scharnsteiner-by-choice surprisingly announced this today. On Saturday he wants to take part in the last race: the classic Hahnenkamm downhill run in Kitzbühel. In other words, where he celebrated his greatest and most emotional success to date in 2018. Dreßen, however, is skipping the downhill race on Friday.
“It was always clear to me that I wanted to get back to the top. At the moment it’s not possible for me to be at the front once more,” explained the 30-year-old at a press conference in Kitzbühel and added: “I’m absolutely happy with myself Reinen, I gave it my all.”
The decision was not easy for him. Dreßen emphasized that there is life following competitive sports and that he wants to be able to continue doing sports with his children later on.
The first thoughts of resignation arose on the long drive home from Wengen in Switzerland, said Dreßen. He previously gave an emotional interview: “You really give it your all and I really try everything, but it’s bitter when your body just doesn’t play along anymore,” he explained. The Upper Bavarian also reported renewed pain and fought back tears.
Dreßen has had to struggle with several injury-related setbacks in recent years – including two cruciate ligament tears. The speed specialist celebrated several comebacks, but never reached the class he once did. He celebrated his last World Cup victory in Saalbach-Hinterglemm in 2020.
In Kitzbühel, Dreßen took part in the first training session on Tuesday, but he skipped the second one on Wednesday. Dreßen celebrated five World Cup victories.
