Cross-country skiing: Maëlle Veyre talks to Nordic Magazine after announcing her retirement
Maëlle Veyre announced her retirement from sport on her Instagram page on Sunday . The cross-country skier from Montgenèvre (Hautes-Alpes) has decided to put away her skis. During the 2023/2024 season, she won bronze in the mass start at the U23 cross-country skiing world championships in Planica (Slovenia) and discovered the world cup.
At the start of this winter, Maëlle Veyre had discovered the A group of the French women’s team. In the end, the Haut-Alpine skier shone this season at the Marathon Ski Tour , winning the overall classification. The now 22-year-old former cross-country skier spoke to Nordic Magazine about her decision.
- You’ve decided to put an end to your career. What motivated this choice?
What helped me to weigh up the pros and cons was the lack and loss of passion and the dream of being a top-level sportsman. I had goals that didn’t make me dream like they used to. There was also the pressure of selection which, I think, had a lot to do with my fulfilment. I decided to stop because going back for another year, not really knowing where I was going, just didn’t work. When you reach a very high level and you’re with girls who know exactly what they’re doing and why they’re doing it, and you’re still wondering about it, it just doesn’t work.
- You started the winter in the World Cup and then we mainly saw you on the national long distance circuit…
I think I needed to find myself again. I had a bit more fun this year. I took part in races that I wanted to do and I had a great time.
“I’ll always be available to talk about it [eating disorders, editor’s note], to share my experience. I’d certainly like to see things evolve in the industry.Maëlle Veyre at Nordic Magazine
- You mentioned eating disorders. Would you like to see this issue given greater prominence in top-level sport?
I’d like my experience, which has been extremely painful for me and those close to me, to be of use to others. What was set up at the federation[an information day on eating disorders last July, editor’s note], I found really interesting and I think it was a first step in breaking the ice.
I think there’s still room for improvement here. I sincerely hope that this will help future generations and that we won’t have to deal with these health problems again. It’s part of the excesses of top-level sport, and we need to be able to detect them earlier and understand a little better how they happen. I’ll always be available to come and talk about it, to share my experience. I’d certainly like to see things change in the industry.
- What will you remember about your career?
There are plenty of them. Honestly, from the first committee relay that we won with Coraline Thomas Hugue and Flora Dolci [in 2017 with the Alpes-Provence committee, editor’s note], to the EYOF [European Youth Olympic Festival] that I went to do with my club mates in Sarajevo and the Planica U23 World Championships with the two medals. There are thousands of memories. But, beyond the competitions, there are also all the training courses, all the moments of sharing with friends. That’ll stay with you for sure.
- Do you know what your future holds?
I have a clear plan. It also helped me make my choice. I’ve been studying physiotherapy for two years now, and I’m really passionate about it. I really want to invest in this field and learn lots of things. I also know that it might allow me to stay close to the world of sport. Why not come back as a physiotherapist rather than an athlete? It’s a profession that combines sport and medicine. It’s where my two passions come together.
And then, as far as sport is concerned, I’m still passionate about it. I continue to go out into the mountains and get some fresh air. Perhaps I’ll also try to return to my first love of sport, team sports with handball.
- Will you be wearing a race number in popular races?
Frankly, it’s possible. It depends on my level. Do I feel ready to realign myself or not? Do I want to? But yes, I think it could be a good way of enjoying cross-country skiing again.
Read also
- Cross-country skiing: at the age of 22, Maëlle Veyre from the Haut-Alpes puts an end to her career
- Cross-country skiing | “I learnt a lot this winter”: Maëlle Veyre talks to Nordic Magazine after her excellent winter
- Cross-country skiing | Maëlle Veyre and Hugo Dejour crowned: the final overall rankings of the Marathon Ski Tour 2025
- Cross-country skiing: Mattis Basille and Maëlle Veyre win the Foulée Blanche 2025
- Cross-country skiing: the Grand Bec Marathon 2025 for Hugo Dejour and Maëlle Veyre
- Cross-country skiing | Planica: Maëlle Veyre wins bronze in the women’s mass-start skate at the U23 World Championships
