Industry News
Retired Austrian ski racer Matthias Mayer was allegedly handcuffed by police in Kitzbühel, Austria, yesterday, January 18, and escorted from Hotel Kitzhof, where he was attending a function. The triple Olympic gold medalist had been attending an event by the Lower Austrian state government and Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner in the lead-up to the famous Hahnenkamm race. According to reports by Austrian media, Mayer started heckling the attendants while standing on a table. Despite several attempts to get the ski racer off the table, the 33-year-old continued to abuse, sing, and shout, from his elevated position. Ultimately hotel direction had to call the police to forcibly remove the former athlete from the premises. According to various Austrian newspapers, Mayer was handcuffed by police and escorted to a local police station where he was detained.
It is a fall from grace for the Olympic champion. Mayer is the only male skier to have won three Olympic gold medals. At the Sochi, Russia, Winter Games in 2014 the then 23-year-old won gold in the Downhill. Four years later in Pyeongchang, Korea, he won gold in Super-G, and in the 2022 Winter Games, he won another gold in Super-G in Beijing, China. Later that year he retired suddenly and unexpectedly, after the course inspection in Bormio, Italy.
In a statement released by Ski Austria, it was stated: “We had to note today with regret that Matthias Mayer has not yet overcome his health problems, with which he has been struggling for a long time. As a Ski Austria family, we have always given him support together with all athletes, colleagues, and partners. We wish Matthias all the best and hope that he can return to his passion, skiing, as soon as possible. After consultation with his family, we ask for respect and understanding that we cannot provide any further information.”
Mayer has been working for Ski Austria as a supervisor and consultant for the speed team since his retirement. Ski Austria has been aware of the health problems of the retired athlete. It is not uncommon for retired athletes to develop serious health issues, including depression, substance abuse, anxiety, and cognitive impairment.
We will not speculate on Mayer’s condition but hope that he will get the help that he needs. We have therefore also decided to not share pictures of Mayer in this state. Being sick, whether physically or psychologically, is nothing to be ashamed of and we hope he has people around him that will help and support him through his issues.
