Maria Riesch addresses decision against children and new life after divorce

Life after professional competition

Former German alpine ski racer Maria Riesch retired from competitive sport in 2014 at age 29, concluding a career that yielded three Olympic gold medals, an overall World Cup title, and 27 individual World Cup race victories. During her childhood in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, her daily routine was strictly organized from age ten. Her mother waited outside school with packed ski gear and a snack box so they could catch the mountain gondola by 1:30 p.m., followed by training on the slopes until 4:30 p.m., occasional tennis sessions, homework, and an early bedtime. Relief from this schedule came during visits to her grandparents, where her grandfather built campfires and she played canasta late into the evening. After joining the World Cup circuit in the eleventh grade, she considered leaving school, but her parents and coaches insisted she complete her Abitur, which provided security when two years of severe injuries interrupted her athletic progress. Following her retirement, Riesch transitioned into working as a corporate speaker, delivering keynote presentations focused on resilience, perseverance, and managing defeat.

Privacy and societal pressure over childlessness

Reflecting on her post-retirement life, the 41-year-old athlete explained that she originally expected to start a family once her demanding competition schedule concluded. However, after stepping away from professional sports and experiencing personal autonomy without daily athletic regimens, the maternal desire never developed. Riesch had previously noted in a 2020 interview that she and her partner valued their personal freedom and could not envision orienting their daily lives around a child. Today, Riesch rejects persistent social inquiries regarding her childlessness, describing questions about why a woman does not have children as invasive and insensitive toward those who experience unfulfilled wishes for children. While her mother believes she may eventually regret her decision, Riesch maintains that she does not share that concern.

“There are also women for whom it simply did not work out and who find it difficult to talk about. That is why I think people could simply save themselves this question.”

Separation and ongoing professional ties

The former ski champion also addressed changes in her personal relationships, including her divorce from 52-year-old sports manager Marcus Höfl. The couple announced their separation in August 2024 after 13 years of marriage, with their divorce formally finalized in January 2025. Despite ending their marriage, the two retain their professional business partnership. Riesch explained that their personal paths drifted apart following the conclusion of her skiing career.

“Unfortunately we failed, even though for many years it did not look like it at all. But after my career, our lives developed in directions that were too different.”

While she has returned to using her maiden name Maria Riesch publicly, her official German passport still lists her married name Höfl-Riesch due to the administrative burden of changing identification documents and registrations across various institutions.

A new partnership in Kitzbühel

During an interview conducted in Kitzbühel, Riesch discussed her relationship with 66-year-old cruise manager Johann Schrempf. The two had been longtime friends before entering a romantic relationship following her divorce. Riesch addressed their 25-year age gap, stating that she initially gave it some thought before finding that Schrempf remains youthful, athletic, and fully active in his profession. While the couple has discussed the topic of marriage, no wedding plans are currently scheduled. Riesch noted that while she enjoys spending time with her brother's children, she also values her personal independence and time alone or with Schrempf.