Overview
- David Komatz, 34, said he is ending his elite biathlon career with immediate effect after more than a decade on the World Cup circuit.
- He said persistent back pain and the loss of his Austrian Ski Federation squad place led to the decision, which he finalized only in recent days despite the 2028 home worlds in Hochfilzen.
- His departure follows recent retirements by Lisa Theresa Hauser and Simon Eder, leaving Austria with fewer veterans and pressing younger athletes into larger roles.
- Since 2013 he logged about 200 World Cup starts and won world silver in the 2021 mixed relay in Pokljuka and the 2023 single mixed relay in Oberhof.
- He said he leaves proud of his relay work and plans to spend more time with his family as he starts a new chapter.