NEWS
For the Second Time: US Skier Bids Farewell to World Cup
Wiley Maple is ending his career for the second time. The American is saying goodbye to the Ski World Cup in Beaver Creek.
American Wiley Maple will take the start in a World Cup downhill race for the final time in Beaver Creek. For the 36-year-old, it is already his second retirement.
In 2019, Maple first announced his retirement due to persistent back issues. In 2023, the speed specialist returned to the Alpine Ski World Cup. This time, however, his departure is expected to be final.
"The fight was in vain, but it was fun"
"Usually only the greats get the chance to retire twice – but I guess if you're crazy enough, amateurs get to do it twice too," Maple wrote on Instagram.
He also wrote: "And so, just as I found another gear, I've reached the end again – because nothing has changed, even though everything has changed. I'm still on the outside looking in. The fight was in vain … but it was fun. Unfortunately, at a certain point, love just isn't enough."
Maple's best result was a 12th-place finish in the downhill on the Stelvio in Bormio in 2023.
