After 16 years at the top level, the 28-year-old says goodbye – retiring just weeks before the World Cup and Olympic season begin.

The announcement comes only days before the international biathlon season kicks off with the brand-new Loop One Festival in Munich this weekend, and six weeks before the World Cup opener in Östersund. The news came as a shock to the entire biathlon community.

In August, Felix Leitner impressed with a strong fifth place at the prestigious City Biathlon Dresden show race. Shortly after, the Austrian biathlon star announced that he was ready to bounce back after three difficult seasons.

But on Monday afternoon came the shocking news: Leitner announced that he is retiring from World Cup-level biathlon effective immediately. The 28-year-old shared the news on social media.

“Many days became the best because I could spend and celebrate moments with my best people. Laugh, cry, marvel, and enjoy. This is how I have lived and loved the last 16 years in the wonderful biathlon everyday life, and so I will keep them in my memories. Thanks to those who supported me,” Leitner wrote on Instagram.

Felix Leitner made his World Cup debut in 2016. The Austrian biathlete achieved three podium finishes across 196 World Cup starts.

The story continues below.

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A post shared by Felix Leitner (@leit.felix)

Second shock retirement in less than a week

Felix Leitner is the second World Cup athlete to retire in less than a week.

Last week, Helene Marie Fossesholm announced her retirement from elite-level skiing. The Norwegian cross-country star had been considered one of the favorites for Norway’s team at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

Read More – Norwegian star announces retirement: “I’m following my heart”

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