In 2017, David Ketterer made his debut in the Alpine Skiing World Cup, and six not always successful years later, the German slalom specialist announced his retirement from professional sport on social media. The reactions to the post suggest that Ketterer is leaving deep footprints, at least off the slopes.
“Looking back, I had big goals that I didn’t all achieve,” reads an excerpt from the Instagram post with which David Ketterer announces the end of his active sports career. Even if it wasn’t quite enough for the really big sporting merits, the athlete leaves no doubt that he loved his existence in the ski circus.
“I feel incredibly fortunate about the path I’ve taken. In a sport where tiny margins can decide the next few years of your life, I’m beyond grateful for how it went. All the friendships, the success , the misery, the lessons learned and the places I saw. It was fun trying to be the best at something very difficult. I’ll keep that in mind for future endeavors,” says Ketterer.
In addition, the Baden-Württemberger, who had to get by without the support of the German Ski Association in recent years, would like to thank his family for their support and skiing for the fact that he was able to meet his wife through him. Ketterer is married to former US ski racer Resi Stiegler.
Ski stars react to Ketterer’s post
Unsurprisingly, Stiegler was among the many people who responded to the post. “Great adventures, many more will follow,” comments the three-time Olympic participant. Felix Neureuther emphasized that Ketterer was a “top guy”.
In addition, numerous well-known names from the alpine business commented on Ketterer’s contribution with Steven Nyman, Wendy Holdener, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, Alexander Schmid, Dave Ryding, Sebastian Holzmann, Victor Muffat-Jeandet and Johannes Strolz.
Ketterer’s best result in the World Cup is an 18th place, which he achieved in 2018 in the slalom in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, in Chamonix in February 2023 he finished 22nd in the points for the last time.
