Ski racer Thomas Dreßen will probably be farewelled with plenty of applause at his final performance on the Streif today (11.30 a.m./ARD and Eurosport).
“It’s a shame that it happened like this,” said his teammate Romed Baumann about the 30-year-old’s early end to his career. Dreßen, who has been marked by injuries and operations, announced during the week that he would no longer continue the fight against his body and would end his career prematurely.
“It became apparent somewhere. I was in the room with him and saw how extremely much he had to invest in order to get to driving,” reported Baumann. “Of course you wouldn’t wish it on anyone that it has to end like that physically,” said Andreas Sander, who came second in the 2021 World Championships in the downhill. But Dreßen “certainly made the right decision”.
“Loss for the ski circus”
Even outside the German team, Dreßen’s departure is regretted. “It makes you feel sorry,” said South Tyrolean Dominik Paris, who has already won four times in Kitzbühel, and spoke of a “loss for the ski circus.” Dreßen was a “great competitor”. “We had a lot of fun with him.” The finish in front of the many fans will certainly be “special” again.
But the decision to stop now also deserves respect. Dreßen still has “two thirds of his life ahead of him,” said Paris. “I wish him all the best on his next journey.”
Dreßen is contesting his 80th World Cup race in Kitzbühel. Exactly six years ago to the day he sensationally achieved his first victory on the Streif. Four more World Cup successes followed, but also numerous health setbacks – in particular, the athlete’s right knee was badly damaged. Dreßen skipped the first departure of this weekend in Tyrol on Friday.
