The Austrian biathlete shook the sport on Monday, October 13, when he announced his immediate retirement. Now Felix Leitner reveals why he decided to end his career, just a few months before the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics.

The 28-year-old offers an honest account of what he sees as a deep crisis within the Austrian national team. Contrary to what some have suggested, his decision had nothing to do with competition for team spots, but rather with the toxic environment that has developed within the team in recent years.

“I absolutely didn’t choose to retire because I wasn’t being selected. It’s the overall situation that’s the reason,” Leitner explained to Ski Nordique.

“The lack of an environment where I felt supported, where I felt good, and where everyone around me wanted the best for me, has gradually made me lose the joy and passion for the sport over the difficult past few years,” he added.

Also Read: Biathlon talent shocks the sport – Retires immediately at just 28 years old

Went his own way

Leitner broke away from the national team system already two years ago, opting instead for his own setup and preparation for the season.

Biathlon star Lisa Theresa Hauser has made the same decision ahead of this season. She, too, has left the national team and now trains independently toward the 2026 Olympics.

“Her decision was clearly not well received by the Association,” Leitner said about his former teammate’s move.

Read More: Biathlon star leaves national team: “It was a big change”

Ongoing disputes and waxing troubles

Poor team spirit wasn’t the only reason for Leitner’s retirement.

He described long-standing and severe issues with equipment and ski waxing within the Austrian national team — crucial factors at the top level of biathlon.

“We’ve had equipment problems ever since the 2022 Beijing Olympics. There’s constant arguing about skis and waxing,” Leitner said, adding:

“We (athletes) are never taken seriously, and the situation gets worse every year. I felt that the athletes were no longer at the center of attention.”

The story continues below.

Thriving after leaving the national team

For Leitner, the frustration became too great. The promising 28-year-old chose to end his career.

For Hauser, however, it’s been the opposite. She says she has received a real boost after parting ways with the team.

Now 31, Hauser is back working with her former coach, Sandra Flunger, who also coaches the Swiss national team. Hauser says the change has been revitalizing:

“I’m someone who needs to be slowed down, because I tend to train for too long. That’s not easy for Sandra,” Hauser joked.

She is now aiming for the 2026 Olympics in Antholz with sky-high ambitions.

“Of course, I dream of a medal. And if everything falls into place, no one should be able to look back and say, ‘No, she never won an Olympic medal.’”

Despite earlier rumors suggesting she might retire, Hauser insists she’s far from done.

“As long as I still have so much joy for the sport and feel good, I’ll continue at least until the 2028 World Championships at home,” she told Kronen Zeitung.

Also Read: Biathlon star hits back at rumors

The Biathlon World Cup starts in Östersund on the weekend of November 29. The 2026 Olympics will take place from February 6 to 22.

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