Tamara Tippler navigates the challenges of returning to competitive skiing after knee surgery and becoming a mother. As she trains on the demanding Birds of Prey course, she grapples with the risks of her sport and the emotional toll of being away from her newborn daughter. Despite skepticism from the skiing community about her comeback, Tippler remains committed to balancing her passion for skiing with her new responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of support and understanding in her journey.
Returning to the Slopes: Tamara Tippler’s Journey
As Tamara Tippler heads towards downhill training in Beaver Creek, she can’t help but ponder the challenges ahead. For the first time, female athletes are tackling the infamous Birds of Prey course, a notoriously difficult run that marks a significant moment in her comeback journey.
At 33, the Austrian skier is not only dealing with the aftermath of knee surgery from earlier this year but also embracing her new role as a mother, having welcomed her daughter in September 2023. This trip across the Atlantic serves as a crucial test for Tippler: Can she confidently race again, just as she did before motherhood? Additionally, how will she cope with being away from her child for three weeks?
Balancing Motherhood and Passion
Tippler acknowledges that she’s still adjusting to the risks involved in her sport, having lagged behind by approximately 3.5 seconds in her initial training sessions. “I was just taking everything in,” she reflects. The forthcoming days of training and competing will provide her with the clarity she seeks. Being away from home for extended periods represents a significant shift for her; previously, her longest absence was merely five days. After each session, she cherishes the opportunity to connect with her family back in Austria. “I maintain my focus when I’m racing, but I’m grateful for the ability to compartmentalize,” she explains.
In a candid conversation, Tippler expressed her desire to inspire others. “I don’t wish to be seen as a super-mom who has something to prove. My goal is simply to follow my passion,” she stated.
Tippler’s commitment to skiing persisted even during her pregnancy. After receiving a positive pregnancy test in January 2023, she was determined to compete again after giving birth. While her ability to return to competitive skiing was uncertain, she was aware that the sport posed unique challenges for mothers, given its high-risk nature and limited training venues. The memory of tragic incidents, like the one involving Ulrike Maier, who tragically lost her life during a World Cup downhill in 1994 while being a mother, weighs heavily on the minds of many in the skiing community.
All professional skiers must navigate these inherent risks, regardless of their parental status. Tippler is resolute in countering any criticism aimed at her decision to continue racing as a mother.
Yet, the concern over safety looms large in Tippler’s mind. While she is now able to focus fully on her skiing again, her mindset during pregnancy was markedly different. For nearly two months, she competed while knowing she was expecting, participating in events such as the World Championships in Méribel and World Cup races in Crans-Montana. However, as her pregnancy became more evident through ultrasound images, her perspective shifted. Her previous thrill-seeking attitude gave way to an overwhelming sense of caution; she became more risk-averse, fearful of potential falls and their consequences.
Known for her bold skiing style, Tippler found herself questioning her decisions on the slopes. “I couldn’t control my thoughts anymore,” she admitted. “I realized I had everything to lose now.” When she broke the news of her pregnancy to her service technician, he nearly crashed into a guardrail due to shock and subsequently refused to prepare her skis. Her coach, a father of two, expressed concern for her safety, urging her to prioritize coming down the slope smoothly.
Despite these reactions, Tippler was reluctant to consider stepping away from the sport. It was only after revealing her pregnancy to her teammates that she felt ready to embark on this new chapter.
The post-birth hormonal fluctuations proved challenging for Tippler. While her pregnancy was uncomplicated and she remained physically active, carrying 20-kilogram bags during home renovations, she struggled with the mental toll of gaining 24 kilograms without altering her diet. Many elite athletes can relate to the feeling of losing control over their bodies during pregnancy.
Her daughter Mia was born via cesarean section in September 2023, and the initial weeks were a whirlwind for Tippler. “I found myself overwhelmed, and it’s okay to admit that,” she shared. “I lost control of my emotions completely.” The hormonal shifts left her oscillating between joy and frustration, adjusting to a new rhythm of life after years of constant action. Suddenly, there was this tiny being who seemed to do nothing but sleep, which left her feeling restless. “I told myself: You can’t just watch her sleep all day!”
Gradually, Tippler began taking long walks, easing back into shape. “Initially, it felt like I was just hanging there,” she recounted, but her body quickly adapted to the physical demands. By March 2024, she participated in the World Cup final in Saalbach-Hinterglemm as a pace setter to gauge her readiness. Although she felt the competitive fire within her, she later questioned whether she was fully prepared physically. In the spring, she underwent knee surgery due to cartilage damage.
At the Austrian Ski Association, there was skepticism about Tippler’s return to racing in March 2023. The conservative skiing community was not particularly supportive of female athletes making a comeback after childbirth. How did Ski Austria respond to her decision? “People are creatures of habit,” she remarked diplomatically, suggesting that the staff was likely taken aback by the situation at first.
Tippler is held to the same standards as her peers, particularly when it comes to internal selections for the coveted downhill spots in Beaver Creek. However, she is not seeking special treatment. What she hopes for is empathy and support during her mental challenges.
To date, she has not encountered such a struggle. With her daughter Mia not present during training or competitions, the changes have only partially registered with her support team. “However, I am not the same Tami anymore. I’m still humorous and make jokes, but there’s a whole other life that exists outside of sports,” she explained.
Ensuring her home life in Mautern, Styria, is balanced and organized is crucial for Tippler. Her partner, who works with the Austrian police special unit Cobra, has some flexibility with his schedule. To minimize disruptions for Mia, Tippler’s mother steps in to care for the baby when Tamara is away for several days.
If Tamara Tippler ever feels overwhelmed by the demands of being a professional skier and a mother, she is prepared to step back. “I consider it a privilege to chase my dreams, and I try not to place undue pressure on myself,” she stated. This mindset applies to her broader goals as well as individual races. Even fellow competitor Lara Gut-Behrami takes a break from racing if she doesn’t feel ready. So far, Tippler hasn’t found herself in that situation. “I hope I have the strength to voice my needs,” she concluded.