(es) - On March, 9th the Italian announced via Facebook her retirement: “With today’s win at the national championships I am going to end my long, successful career that was shaped by ups and downs.” The 24-year-old also had a special season – with exactly these ups and downs. She was not able to qualify for any of the World Cup races until the European Championships in Umhausen. “The European Championships were a very special moment for me this year because I already knew that I would end my career. And ending a career by winning two medals is amazing”, Schwarz is enthused about her successful career finish. She won silver in individuals and even won gold with the team. Another big moment in her career were the World Championships in Umhausen 2011, where Schwarz fetched bronze. And Schwarz continues: “I will always remember winning the gold medal in the team event at the World Championships in Deutschnofen in 2013. It was my first time as member of team Italy 1.” Results, Schwarz never took for granted. At the World Cup season opening 2008/09 the Italian had a bad crash and had to pause until 2010. “The time after my injury was in parts very hard and exhausting. I always had to use physical therapy; otherwise racing on this level wouldn’t have been possible.” Pain was a constant companion. “But after my crash I became more ambitious and I trained hard for each race and prepared myself very well for each aim. That’s why each medal or podium has such a high rating for me.” Like in all kinds of sports it takes a lot of effort to be among the best. Schwarz takes this know-how with her for the time after her career: “I will now concentrate on finishing my studies of religion and pedagogy but of course I will take the time to watch some competitions.” She hasn’t decided yet whether she is going to return to natural track luge in some way or other: “Let’s see – time will tell”.