A serious crash changed everything: speed specialist retires at the age of 26

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It is not an end to his career, as skier Federico Simoni had imagined. The Italian speed specialist announced his retirement this week – shortly before the World Cup season for downhillers really starts.

26-year-old Simoni announced his departure from the ski stage on Instagram. He does not do this entirely voluntarily.

Despite all the setbacks: “I had a great time”

Simoni was able to participate in a total of six World Cup races in his short career, three of which were in Val Gardena (Italy). The best result was 44th place in the Super-G in Kvitfjell (Nor) in 2019. He participated in the European Cup 78 times. However, there was also a memorable race in Selle Nevea, Italy.

Simoni had a serious fall there at the beginning of this year. Since then he has been working on a comeback, but the desired progress has not been achieved. “I gave everything to come back, but my head said no. After the last fall I was physically at the same level as before, but not mentally.”

Resigning was “a very difficult decision”. And yet Simoni wants to look at the good sides of his career. «I am very happy and proud of what I have achieved. I owe all this to my parents, my grandparents and my girlfriend. I had a great time.” (cat)

Source : Blick