Austria's Kappaurer & Ehammer Announce Retirements
Austria's Elisabeth Kappaurer and Tatjana Ehammer have announched their retirements.
Tatjana Ehammer, who started her ski cross career under her maiden name Tatjana Meklau, was considered a promising hope in the ÖSV team, but had to contend with two serious injury-related setbacks. After injury-related setbacks, the Styrian ended her ski cross career at the age of 25!
In February 2021, after finishing eighth in what was ultimately her only World Cup race on the Reiteralm, the Styrian suffered a broken tibia and fibula in her left leg in a fall on the way to the team hotel.
After six surgeries and a long break, Ehammer made a remarkable comeback in the 2023/24 season, winning three European Cup victories, all of which she celebrated in San Pellegrino (ITA). On her way to a top-three finish in the overall standings, she suffered another serious injury during training for the European Cup final in March 2024 on the Reiteralm: a torn cruciate ligament and a fractured ankle – again affecting her left leg.
After three more surgeries, Ehammer was determined to attempt a comeback, but when pain in her left knee recurred in recent weeks, the 25-year-old decided to retire. "The doctor recommended that I undergo another operation to have a chance of competing in ski cross races again. But that would have meant missing another season and starting the whole recovery process all over again. Ultimately, I was no longer ready for that; my health is now my top priority," explained Tatjana Ehammer .
"I never wanted to retire because of an injury, but I'm still proud of what I've achieved and the path I've taken. I'd like to thank my family, my equipment suppliers and sponsors, the Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV), and especially the physiotherapists, who have always provided me with tremendous support," added Ehammer, who finished the 2023/24 European Cup season in fourth place overall after her hat-trick of victories at San Pellegrino and has been married to world-class Swiss athlete Simon Ehammer since last year.
"On behalf of the entire ski cross team, I would like to thank Tatjana Ehammer for her commitment and congratulate her on her sporting successes. Despite her injuries, she has never lost sight of her goals in competitive sport with impressive discipline, consistency, and mental strength. I wish Tatjana all the best and much success in her private and professional future," said Markus Gutenbrunner , the Austrian Ski Cross Sports Director.
After ten years in the Ski World Cup, Elisabeth Kappaurer has decided to end her career.
After careful consideration, Elisabeth Kappaurer has decided to announce her retirement from competitive sports. Following a long series of serious injuries, the Vorarlberg native has made the decision to end her career effective today.
"This decision was anything but easy for me and was a long process. After all, skiing has always been my great passion and always will be. After all the injuries, I kept trying to fight my way back, and for the most part, I succeeded. During the final rehab and preparation phase for the upcoming season, I realized that I was no longer physically able to reach the highest level necessary to compete at the top. Therefore, it is now time to listen to my body's signals and open a new chapter in my life."
Ten years ago, the 31-year-old celebrated her World Cup debut in Sölden and finished in the top 15 ten times in a total of 47 World Cup races. In 2014, she was also crowned Junior World Champion in the Super Combined and became a three-time Austrian Champion in the Giant Slalom. Despite numerous setbacks, the Bezau native repeatedly demonstrated strong fighting spirit and determination to achieve her goals.
"Now, however, the time has come to put the racing skis in the corner and devote ourselves to new tasks."
