Aksel Lund Svindal recently revealed that he will be retiring from racing after the upcoming world championship set to take place in February. The renowned Norwegian Olympic downhill champion made it known that he won’t be pursuing any races beyond this championship. His retirement plans come after his scheduled ski race this Sunday.
His focus is on delivering a strong performance, possibly his best, in the super G event scheduled for February 6th. Following the super G, the downhill race will take place in Are, Sweden, three days later, marking the end of his career. Svindal has been grappling with recurring injuries to his right knee over the past few years, a significant factor influencing his decision to retire.
The persistent knee issues have been a hurdle in continuing his career. Svindal emphasized his determination to give his best at the upcoming world championship in Sweden and mentioned that he has been contemplating this retirement decision for weeks. As he gears up to conclude his career, he aims to do so in the best way possible.
In preparation for the championship, Svindal opted out of races over the weekend to allow his knees ample rest, ensuring he can perform at his peak during the upcoming competition. His injuries escalated notably in 2016 following a downhill crash. Reflecting on his retirement, he expressed a sense of closure, noting that ending his career on his terms now is preferable to prolonging it beyond its natural end.
