© Sportreport
Tamara Tippler has decided to return to the ski circuit and will be part of the World Cup women’s team again from May. As a result, the Austrian Ski Association is losing two athletes, Sabrina Maier and Michaela Heider, who are officially announcing the end of their careers today.
As a forerunner, Tamara Tippler got a taste of racing again for the first time this year at the World Cup final in Saalbach. The speed specialist missed the feeling of speed and being in racing mode. Almost twelve months earlier, the Styrian announced her maternity break, but never ruled out returning. Now the 33-year-old is getting back into racing.
“I had always planned to return to the World Cup, I just had to figure out whether I could push myself to the limit again in terms of speed. During training with my colleagues and after Saalbach as a precursor, I knew that this chapter was not yet closed for me. And of course it had to be made clear to the family that my little daughter Mia would be well looked after while I was traveling with the racing team. I would also like to show that as a mother you can still achieve top performance in top-class sport and that it is possible to combine family and career in professional sport. I’m well aware that it won’t be easy, but I’m ready to take on the challenge. That’s why I’m very happy to be part of the team again and that the Austrian Ski Association gives me the chance to pursue my passion, ski racing,” explains the Styrian.
Another era is coming to an end for Sabrina Maier and Michaela Heider. After around a decade in the Ski World Cup and a total of 98 World Cup and 189 European Cup starts, the speed specialists have decided to take new paths. The careers of the two Ski Austria athletes were marked by ups and downs. After setbacks and injuries, they always fought their way back to the racing track. However, they have now decided to say goodbye to ski racing and devote themselves to new tasks.
“Tamara is determined to continue her skiing career and of course we want to support her in this. Your positive personality will certainly enrich our team again. I wish Sabrina and Michaela all the best for their future and I am convinced that they will dedicate themselves to their future goals with the same commitment as in top-class sport,” said head coach Roland Assinger.
Presseinfo
Austrian Ski Association
29.04.2024