German skiing world championship medallist Sander ends career
Germany's Andreas Sander celebrates at the finish after the men's Super G of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Sander, a downhill world championship silver medallist from 2021, is ending his career due to an illness that has prevented him from competing the last two years. Angelika Warmuth/dpa German ski racer Andreas Sander, a downhill world championship silver medallist from 2021, is ending his career due to an illness that has prevented him from competing the last two years.
Sander, 36, has been sidelined since 2024 after being diagnosed with mitochondrial dysfunction, a cell illness that leads to fatigue because the mitochondria, which provide most of a body's energy, don't work properly. "I tried everything after my illness to do high-performance sport again. I feel better in everyday life but my aim of racing at World Cup level is still not possible.
Therefore I have had decided to end my career for good," Sander said in a German ski federation statement issued on Wednesday. Sander said he was proud of his career highlighted by the world championship medal. He competed in 197 World Cup races since a 2008 debut ahd reached the podium twice.
Sander will bid farewell at the upcoming national championships. He said he will focus on his health now but wants to remain close to the sport.