Yuliya Galysheva announces retirement from competitive skiing

The moguls community says goodbye to one of its most consistent and respected athletes, as Yuliya Galysheva has officially announced her retirement from competitive skiing this week.

The Olympic Winter Games marked her final start on the international stage, closing a remarkable journey that spanned nearly two decades at the highest level. From her debut on the World Cup circuit in the 2008/09 season through to her final appearance, Galysheva built a career defined by longevity, resilience, and a constant presence among the world’s best.

A four time Olympian, she represented Kazakhstan with distinction across multiple generations of the sport. Her standout moment came at PyeongChang 2018, where she claimed bronze in moguls, securing Kazakhstan’s first Olympic medal in freestyle skiing. It was a landmark achievement, both personally and for her country, and remains one of the defining highlights of her career.

Beyond the Olympic stage, Galysheva delivered consistently at major events. She reached the top of the podium at the 2019 World Championships and, across 15 appearances, collected a total of four podium finishes. On the World Cup, she competed in 124 events, earning 22 podiums and 5 victories, underlining her ability to perform season after season against the very best in the sport.

Known for her smooth and controlled skiing, she was also instantly recognizable for her trademark frontflip truck driver grab, a jump she executed with precision throughout her career.

Off the course, Galysheva was just as respected. Easygoing and grounded, she brought a calm presence to the tour. When approached during the Games in Livigno, she spoke with genuine appreciation for the moment, simply happy to be competing in her fourth and final Olympic Games. That mindset reflected the way she approached her entire career, with perspective, professionalism, and a quiet confidence.

Her influence extends beyond competition results. In Kazakhstan, she played a central role in raising the profile of freestyle skiing and inspiring the next generation of athletes. That impact is permanently recognized in Almaty, where the moguls course “Yuka G” carries her name, a tribute to her contribution to the sport and her legacy at home.

For nearly two decades, Galysheva was a constant on the World Cup tour, known for her technical strength, composure, and competitive spirit. She competed through different eras of the sport, adapting and evolving while remaining a respected figure within the international freestyle community.

From everyone across the FIS Freestyle family, thank you, Yuliya.

All the best for the next chapter.