With the Olympic Games in Paris, Timo Boll, the leading 43-year-old athlete from Hesse, will end his international career.

“I have often spoken in the past about being afraid to make this decision. But it was clear that this day would inevitably come. Now it’s really time to say goodbye to the global stage of active sports.”

For Borussia Düsseldorf, he will remain active for one more season in the TTBL and the Champions League, and subsequently, he will continue to advise the club in various capacities:

“I will certainly remain loyal to the sport that has given me so much. I will continue to pay great attention to China and its people. There are many ideas. My life will certainly remain interesting and exciting.”

The career has left its mark.

“I am grateful for my career. But now it’s enough. The career has left many marks,” said Boll, reflecting on the long list of injuries, pains, and deprivations that have often accompanied him: “My body no longer functions in a way that makes daily training and matches enjoyable. Many injuries and pains make this decision easier for me today.”

With the retirement of Timo Boll, one of Germany’s greatest athletes of recent decades is leaving the world stage. He was much more than just an athlete, especially in Asia. Nine World Championship medals, 20 times European Champion, three times World No. 1 are only part of his achievements – and perhaps not all: In Paris, he aims to add a fifth Olympic medal in the team event, and will continue to chase titles with Borussia Düsseldorf in the TTBL final on June 30 and in the next season.

“If we win a team medal at the Olympic Games, that would truly be the perfect ending. I would like to thank everyone who supported me on this exceptionally long journey: family, friends, colleagues, coaches, sponsors, and of course, the fans,” says Boll, who looks forward to the remaining challenges: “Now I’m off to one of my last adventures – my final tournament in China.”

The article was published at https://www.ettu.org/en/n/news/2024/may/timo-boll-announces-the-end-of-his-international-career-after-the-olympic-games/