Kim Meylemans hangs up her skeleton as world number one
After sixteen years of competition on icy tracks, Kim Meylemans is stepping away at the top of world skeleton.
At 30, Kim Meylemans has announced the end of her career at the highest level, leaving the sport as the world number one — a rare and symbolic exit for an athlete who has helped shape the history of Belgian skeleton.
The last Winter Olympic Games marked her final major international appearance, as she bows out after more than fifteen years on the ice. A pioneer of her discipline in Belgium, Meylemans first broke new ground in 2018 by becoming the country’s first skeleton representative at the Pyeongchang Games, where she finished 14th.
Since then, her progress has been steady and impressive. Season after season, the Maasmechelen native from the Limburg province established herself among the world’s elite, reaching the pinnacle with two European titles in 2024 and 2026, as well as a silver medal at the 2024 World Championships.
She retires while sitting atop the world rankings — a remarkable achievement. “A wonderful way to close this chapter,” she shared on social media, reflecting on a rich and impactful career.
Over 16 years, Kim Meylemans not only proudly represented Belgium but also brought new visibility to a sport that remains relatively unknown in the country. A three-time Winter Olympian and the first Belgian to stand on a World Cup podium, she leaves behind a strong legacy.
Her final season will stand as the peak of her career: winning the overall World Cup and securing the world number one spot, a reward for years of dedication and perseverance — and a decisive factor in her choice to step away from the sport.
His departure crowns an exemplary career, achieved at the very pinnacle of his discipline.