American ski jumper Annika Belshaw ends career at age 24

Annika Belshaw, a 24‑year‑old representative of the United States in ski jumping, announced her retirement on social media. In an Instagram post she thanked the sport, describing it as a "great gift" and expressing gratitude to supporters.

Belshaw had been a regular on the World Cup circuit, finishing the 2025/2026 season 27th overall with 176 points. Her best result came last winter in Ljubno, Slovenia, where she placed seventh. She also qualified for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan‑Cortina and recently posted a 21st place on the normal hill and a seventh‑place finish in the mixed‑team event in Italy. The decision, made just days before the start of the Summer Grand Prix, was called a "total surprise" by German portal Sport1. Her retirement follows other recent departures from the U.S. ski jumping squad, including Andrew Urlaub and several teammates who have paused or ended their careers.