World Cup downhill skier retires for the second time
The 36-year-old first announced his retirement in 2020, only to return three years later. Now, he is calling it quits for good.
An exciting chapter is coming to an end for US skier Wiley Maple.
As the 36-year-old speed specialist announced on Instagram, he plans to compete in his final World Cup race in Beaver Creek on December 4, 2026 – officially bringing his active skiing career to an end.
This marks the second retirement for Maple, who first stepped away from the sport in 2020 due to severe back problems. Three years later, however, the downhill specialist returned to the world's most dangerous racecourses – and did so successfully.
In 2023, he achieved his career-best World Cup result by finishing 12th in the Bormio downhill. Last season, Maple scored World Cup points four times.
Had "the fastest years" of his career after comeback
"I got to live my dream again," Maple wrote on Instagram. "I fought my way back and had the fastest years of my career. For a few years, I got to 'fly' again, travel the world, and ski with my friends – what more could you ask for."
Now, however, it is time to call it a day. "Unfortunately, love alone is no longer enough at some point," wrote Maple, who largely had to self-fund his dream as a privateer, raising between $10,000 and $70,000 per season.
Maple now wants to pursue further studies (having already completed a degree after his first retirement) and intends to work as a ski instructor.
