Tippler comes back to World Cup after maternity leave

Tamara Tippler has decided to return to the ski circuit and will be part of the women's World Cup team again from May.

The new mum has already had her first taste of racing again this year at the World Cup final in Saalbach. The speed specialist missed the feeling of speed and being in race mode. Almost twelve months before that, the Styrian announced her maternity leave, but never ruled out a return. Now the 33-year-old is getting back into full racing action.

"I had always planned to return to the World Cup, I just had to realise whether I could push myself to the limit again in terms of speed. In training with my colleagues and after Saalbach as a forerunner, I knew that this chapter was not yet closed for me. And of course I also had to make sure that my little daughter Mia would be well looked after while I‘m travelling with the race team. I also want to show that as a mum, you can still achieve top performances in top-class sports and that it is possible to combine family and career in professional sport. I'm well aware that it won't be easy, but I'm ready to take on the challenge. That's why I'm delighted to be part of the team again and that the Austrian Ski Federation is giving me the chance to pursue my passion for ski racing.

"Tamara is determined to continue her skiing career and we naturally want to support her in this endeavour. Her positive personality will certainly enrich our team again“ says head coach Roland Assinger.

Along with Tamara's return, the Austrian Ski Federation announced Sabrina Maier and Micheala Heider's withdrawal from competition.

After around a decade in the Ski World Cup and a total of 98 World Cup and 189 European Cup starts, the speed specialists have decided to take a new path.

"I wish Sabrina and Michaela all the best for their future and I am convinced that they will dedicate themselves to their future goals with the same commitment as in top-class sport," says Roland Assinger.