Image: GEPA pictures/ Thomas Bachun
It was once considered the great hope of the French for the future, but at the age of only 25 Esther Paslier has now drawn the line. “It’s over” – with these words Paslier announces her resignation on social media. A decision “that has slowly matured over the last few months. A chapter ends with peace and the certainty of having come full circle.”
It is a farewell letter in which she draws attention to grievances. Injuries often played a major role in numerous resignations in recent years. However, Paslier had her problems with the “system”. “Skiing fast is the most important thing. This wore me down for many months and eventually led to excess, depression. Taking a drug at 22 was hard to admit,” she reveals in her emotional message. It’s “difficult for yourself and those around you when you end up doing something that’s challenging but something you love,” Paslier said.
After Paslier was kicked out of the French squads, she trained privately for a season. “I wish I had had all the resources necessary to permanently engage in these alternative paths,” she writes. Last spring she returned to the B group of the national team. “New positive and constructive relationships have been forged. Nevertheless, there are still many grievances. The passion for this sport is still there. I love life as an athlete, I enjoy training and I like to challenge myself. But that wasn’t enough. I’m now convinced that I can’t find something within this framework that allows me to ski with my heart and to fully exploit my abilities,” she explains.
“My body is losing energy and the fire is barely burning. That’s why I’ve decided to end my career as a skier here,” are her closing words. Paslier has achieved three European Cup podiums in her career and competed in 29 World Cup races.
Source: Nachrichten
