French ski hope leaves emotionally

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“It is over!” Esther Paslier announced on social media. The French speed demon gives up her skis at the age of 25. In an emotional statement, she explains the reasons.

The system makes it difficult for Palier. So much so that she got sick. “Skiing faster is the most important thing. This exhausted me for months and eventually led to excess, depression. Taking a drug at 22 was hard to admit,” she admits. “It’s hard on yourself and those around you when you’re doing something that’s challenging, but something you love.”

When she was kicked out of the French squad and trained privately, she felt better. “It gave me new confidence and made me grow way beyond what I could have imagined,” she writes. “I forgot how good ski racing can be!”

passion still present

Words that get under your skin. Also because Paslier wished she had “the means necessary to involve me permanently in these alternative paths”. Instead, she returned to the squad after a year.

«The passion for this sport is still there, I love the athlete’s life, I love training and I love to surpass myself. But that was not enough,” Paslier continued. That’s why the decision has slowly matured in recent months. “A chapter ends with peace and the certainty that the circle is complete.”

Three podiums in the European Cup

Paslier never broke through at the World Cup. She won her only points in 30 races in 2018, finishing 28th in a combination. She was more successful in the European Cup: one win and two third places in the downhill.

She uses the resignation for an appeal: “I encourage anyone who decides to try other ways to think broadly and not be afraid to try.”

Because Palier is not an isolated case. After injuries and missing the Olympic winter of 2021/22, German Thomas Dressen (29) also struggled with mental problems. Mild depressive phases were identified with the help of a mental trainer.

Depression after career

Camille Rast (23) felt the same way. The Swiss fell ill with mononucleosis in 2017 and had to end the following season early. As a result of the disease, she fell into a depression. With psychotherapeutic treatment and medication, which she took after much hesitation, she found her smile again.

But depression can also overtake you after your career. Lindsey Vonn, 38, an 82-time World Cup winner, had to retire due to injuries and is struggling to adjust to her new life. According to her own statement, the American suffered from depression for a year and a half. (bir)

Source : Blick