Christchurch, New Zealand (30 March 2016) - We wish Nick Prebble all the best for his future endeavours following his announcement yesterday that he will be retiring from Alpine Ski Racing. Nick has been involved with the sport for many years during which time he has shown drive and commitment and earned some impressive results. While he will be missed, we are pleased to hear that Nick intends to stay involved with the sport in other ways and we look forward to seeing him back on the snow in a support role. Nick's announcement follows:
It is with regret I wish to inform you of my retirement from Alpine Ski Racing. I have been involved in the sport for 16 years now and never would have imagined what I have achieved through the years. My highlights include competing at two World Championships, an ANC Downhill title and lowering my GS FIS points to 18.
At the start of this summer I decided to take a season away from the sport, firstly due to needing a break and secondly some ongoing back injury niggles that needed time to recover. I thought the summer break was a great opportunity for me to have some time away from the ski racing environment, enjoy my first summer in ten years and to rest my body. It has been during this break that I realised my pathway to the top level was not achievable, I felt ski racing was limiting my opportunities with other avenues, and my satisfaction was no longer what it used to be.
Throughout my sporting career I have always given 100% to achieving my goals and for the above reasons I no longer aspire to follow the ski racing path. The sport of ski racing is one of the toughest sports out there in my opinion; its forever changing nature leads to an emotional rollercoaster of ups and downs. I love the sport and it has been a hard decision to let go as it has been a massive part of my life but the timing in the direction of my life is right.
I want to thank everybody who has helped and supported me throughout my career. The support from sponsors, family, coaches and supporters has been exceptional and I want to pass on my gratitude for your enduring support. I would not have achieved the success and results during my career without this and I am truly grateful.
The race suit might be hung up but the skis are not! I hope I can still remain close to the sport in New Zealand through my assistance in helping my brother Jamie reach his ski cross dreams and I am going to support him both technically on snow and logistically off it. I want to help the sport of ski racing in New Zealand by providing my knowledge from my experiences to our up and coming skiers, so they can learn from my successes and failures.
From here I am ready to start a new chapter in my life and have some possibly exciting new paths in the pipeline to look forward to.
Once again thank you for your support and I look forward to a catch up whether that be on the slopes this season or out and about around New Zealand!
8 years ago
Nick Prebble,
retirement