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Niels Hintermann Announces Immediate Retirement From World Cup Skiing

He cites acute panic attacks at race starts following treatment for lymphoma.

Overview

  • The 30-year-old Swiss revealed his decision in an SRF interview at Courchevel, saying he is not willing to risk his life after being given a "second life."
  • He described repeated start-house panic attacks, including "one after another" in Garmisch-Partenkirchen two weeks ago, which led him to forgo starting.
  • Measures such as hypnotherapy helped in everyday life but did not restore the full commitment required to race safely in downhill.
  • After disclosing lymphoma in October 2024 and undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, he returned this season with top-seven results, including sixth in Kitzbühel.
  • Team-mate Marco Odermatt publicly commended the decision, saying it is strong to accept when the body and mind signal it is time to stop.