Elisabeth Kappaurer ends her emotional ski career at the age of 30

Elisabeth Kappaurer ends her emotional ski career at the age of 30

Bezau, Österreich - Elisabeth Kappaurer ended her ski career at the age of 30, as reported vorarlberg.orf.at . The athlete came from Bezau, Vorarlberg, was most recently a member of the A squad of the Austrian women's ski team. Their resignation follows a number of serious injuries and the departure of several prominent teammates who have recently also ended their careers.

The resignation was visibly difficult. On Instagram she expressed emotionally about her decision. "It was the most difficult decision at all," she writes, accompanied by pain, tears and fear. With the resignation, she would like to spend more time with her relatives, which she often took for granted during her active career.

career -defined injuries

Kappaurer career was severely affected by injuries. A serious training in Argentina in August 2019 led to serious injuries, including a shin and fabric breaks and a demolition fracture on the shin head. These injuries led to a racing break lasting several years. Her comeback in the World Cup in January 2024 brought two 14 places in the giant slalom.

Another setback followed in October 2024 when they pulled a cartilage fracture in the knee in Sölden. After a lightning comeback in Killington, however, she could not create the qualification and lost her starting place in the ÖSV team. An operation in January 2025 did not turn in her sporting career.

emotional and psychological aspects

The emotional stress caused by repeated injuries should not be underestimated. According to The sports psychologists Psychological factors play a crucial role in the return to sport. In the acute phase of an injury, athletes often suffer from pain, fear and uncertainties that significantly affect the quality of life. These loads can also stop during rehabilitation and competition preparation, which aims at a return in sport.

Kappaurer emphasized that her decision to end her career was carefully considered and that she hits it with a good feeling. Sports psychological support could be helpful for many athletes to better manage the psychological challenges associated with injuries and their consequences.