Speed lady quits:

“Not everyone can make it to the top of the world”

Next retirement in the German Ski Association: after Andrea Filser, speed specialist Katrin Hirtl-Stanggaßinger is also ending her career. The 25-year-old says goodbye with an emotional post on Instagram.

"Time to say goodbye," she begins her post. "The last few years have not been easy and I've had to deal with a lot of disappointments. Unfortunately, not everyone can make it to the top of the world and crown their career with medals at world championships or even the Olympic Games."

She had to realize that "unfortunately it wasn't enough" for her. Nevertheless, the 43-time World Cup starter is "grateful for the eventful journey".

Hirtl-Stanggaßinger continued: "I was able to turn my hobby and my childhood dream into a career and, with the support of the DSV and the Federal Police, I was able to pursue professional sport for ten years." She says goodbye "with a heavy heart".

World Cup debut at the age of 18
She competed in her first FIS races at the age of 16, followed by her World Cup debut in Sölden two years later. Her successes include two medals at the 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer and a medal at the 2016 Junior World Championships in Sochi. At the end of the 2015/2016 season, she was crowned German champion in the giant slalom. As part of the team, she achieved a podium finish in the World Cup.

In the past season, she was never ranked in the top 30.