Ski jumper Michael Hayböck announced his retirement at the end of the current World Championship season on Tuesday. The 33-year-old Upper Austrian has won five individual competitions in his 15-year World Cup career. At major events, he celebrated nine podium finishes with his Austrian teammates, most notably silver at the 2014 Olympics and several World Championship medals. Another one could follow at the World Championships in Trondheim.

Hayböck Announces Retirement

"Originally, the goal was to continue until the 2026 Olympic Games, but I left the decision open. With the birth of my son in the fall, another important aspect came into play for me. Over the last few months, the gut feeling increasingly set in that after this season is the perfect moment to end my career with a happy heart, have time for the family and look forward to new things," explained Hayböck, who lives with his family in Salzburg and has struggled with back problems in recent years.

ÖSV head coach Andreas Widhölzl praised the long-time top athlete: "He has had a long, beautiful career with many highlights and has repeatedly proven his talent, his diligence and his smart head," said Widhölzl, showing understanding for the decision to retire. "I can of course understand the decision that he now wants to draw a line under it. There is little time for the family in professional sports. Therefore, I wish him that he will enjoy the time in the so-called sports pension accordingly. I am sure that his new path will be at least as successful as the one as a professional athlete."

"Fully Committed"

His first World Cup victory came in 2015 at the Four Hills Tournament in Bischofshofen, ahead of his long-time roommate Stefan Kraft. The last one to date was in December 2016 in Engelberg. In the current season, he has already achieved three podium finishes, but in the highly successful ÖSV team around Daniel Tschofenig, he is only the fourth to fifth strongest force. Participations at the World Championships in Norway are of course not excluded. "Until the end of the season, I am fully committed. The aim is to give the best for Austria and hopefully win a lot more with my teammates," said Hayböck.

(APA/Red)

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