21-year-old Ski Jumper Surprisingly Ends Career
Two years ago, the Slovenian won silver at the Junior World Championship. Now it's over.
At just 21 years old, Slovenian Jaka Drinovec has declared an end to his active ski jumping career.
Last Tuesday, Drinovec competed in his final competition at the Slovenian Championships in Kranj. He finished 19th in the individual event and third with the mixed team.
"It was beautiful. An important chapter full of countless and unforgettable memories has come to an end," the 21-year-old announced via social media.
"I want to thank everyone with whom I shared the hills, all the coaches, and everyone who was part of this journey," said Drinovec, who only set his personal best mark of 232 meters during test flights in Planica in March.
Breakthrough Eluded Him
However, Drinovec was denied a spot in the World Cup. The young Slovenian also struggled to gain a foothold in the Continental Cup.
Things went better at the 2024 Junior World Championship in Planica, where he jumped to silver with the Slovenian mixed team.
The retirement comes at a time when, among others, Slovenia's head ski jumping coach Robert Hrgota criticized the lack of depth in Slovenia's second tier of ski jumping talents.
