"I Gave Everything For This Dream": Austrian Ski Racer Lena Wechner Retires at 25

Austrian speed specialist Lena Wechner has announced her retirement from professional ski racing at the age of 25. The emotional announcement came via Instagram after the Tyrolean athlete was left off the Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV) squad for the upcoming season.

"For little Lena, there was only one goal. One wish. One dream," Wechner wrote, sharing a nostalgic photo of herself as a toddler proudly holding a trophy and wearing a medal around her neck, alongside highlights from her professional racing career.

A Lifelong Dream Comes to a Close

Wechner, a rising talent in the speed disciplines, opened up about the immense dedication required to compete at the sport's highest level.

"My entire childhood, my youth, and countless years of hard work. Every day, every decision, and every sacrifice were dedicated to this one goal," Wechner shared. "Skiing was my life, and I am grateful for every single second on this journey."

Despite a promising junior career—highlighted by a gold medal in the Super-G at the 2021 Junior World Championships in Bansko, Bulgaria—the big breakthrough on the senior World Cup circuit proved elusive. Wechner made her World Cup debut in December 2023, securing an impressive 18th-place finish in the Val-d'Isère downhill, which would ultimately stand as her career-best World Cup result.

Active in FIS races since December 2016, Lena Wechner made her European Cup debut on 11 January 2018 in Innerkrems in the combined , without completing the race; at the Junior World Championships in Bansko 2021 she won the gold medal in the super-G . On 27 January 2022 she achieved her first podium in the European Cup (3rd) in the downhill in Sankt Anton am Arlberg and made her World Cup debut on 16 December 2023 in Val-d'Isère in the same specialty (42nd); she has not taken part in any Olympic or World Championship events .

Choosing a New Path

While missing out on the ÖSV squad selection catalyzed the timing, Wechner emphasized that the decision to walk away was ultimately a personal choice rather than one forced by external circumstances.

Speaking to the Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung, the Tyrolean skier clarified that neither persistent physical ailments nor team friction forced her hand. "Health or the team were not decisive factors in my decision. Everything would have continued as before," Wechner explained. "Over the past few months, I've simply realized that besides life as a professional skier, there are other aspects that can bring me joy."

Looking Beyond the Gates

Stepping away from the rigid structure of the Alpine World Cup is a major transition, and the former champion is in no rush to map out her next move.

"Today my journey as a ski racer comes to an end. What remains are memories, experiences, and people who will accompany me for a lifetime," Wechner concluded. "I'll take some time and then see where my path leads me without any pressure."