Romed Baumann, the German-Austrian ski racer, has announced his retirement at the age of 40 after more than two decades in the World Cup. His career concluded without a planned farewell race due to the cancellation of a Super-G event in Garmisch on Sunday. Baumann, a 2021 World Championship silver medalist, leaves behind one of the longest careers in skiing history.
Romed Baumann's retirement marks the end of a remarkable 22-year journey in professional skiing. He first debuted in the World Cup in March 2004, representing his native Austria. Over the years with the Austrian team, Baumann achieved two victories and eight additional podium finishes. His notable successes include a World Championship bronze in the combined event in 2013.
In 2019, Baumann switched allegiance to the German Ski Association (DSV), competing for Germany thereafter. His greatest achievement came in 2021 at the World Championships in Cortina, where he secured silver in the super-G. Baumann also earned another podium in the World Cup nearly three years ago.
Throughout his career, Baumann participated in more than 400 races across World Cups, World Championships, and Olympic Games. On Saturday, he raced in downhill for the 167th time, establishing himself as the sole record holder in that discipline within the World Cup.
This season, however, Baumann did not rank in the top 15, which prevented his qualification for the Winter Olympics in Italy. The cancellation of the Super-G in Garmisch due to bad weather meant his career ended without the farewell race he had anticipated. Baumann's longevity stands out in the demanding sport of alpine skiing.
