Overview

• Leitner announced his retirement on October 13 via Instagram, offering no specific reason for the abrupt decision.
• The exit comes roughly six weeks before the World Cup opener of the Olympic winter, cutting short a planned return to top competition.
• He closes a 16-year career highlighted by junior world titles, the 2018 European individual championship in Ridnaun, and a World Cup podium at Oberhof in 2021.
• Recent seasons brought illness and loss of form that culminated in 60th overall last winter, removal from the national squad, and private training with former coach Florian Steirer.
• His departure narrows Austria’s experienced ranks, with 42-year-old Simon Eder now the sole established international standard-bearer.