Marcel Hirscher, 8-Time World Cup Ski Champion, Plans Comeback with Dutch National Team

The Return of Marcel Hirscher

After five years in retirement, Marcel Hirscher, the eight-time overall World Cup champion, has announced his return to the Alpine skiing scene for the upcoming season. However, what makes his return even more intriguing is his decision to compete for the Netherlands, his mother's native country, instead of his home nation of Austria.

A Change of Nationality

The Austrian winter sports federation, OSV, confirmed that they have released the 35-year-old Hirscher and endorsed his switch to Dutch nationality. Hirscher expressed his gratitude towards the ÖSV for their past achievements and stated that his decision to compete for the Netherlands stems from a desire to pursue this new project as a Dutch national.

Unique Opportunity for the Netherlands

While the Netherlands is not known for its alpine skiing prowess due to the absence of mountains, Hirscher's decision presents a unique opportunity for the country. The move allows Hirscher to compete using Van Deer skis, a brand he co-created with Red Bull, which is not approved for use by the Austrian federation.

Preparation and Ambitions

Hirscher's preparation for his comeback includes participation in lower-level races in New Zealand to secure the necessary points for a return to the World Cup circuit. His primary aim is to compete at the next season's world championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria, where he plans to participate in both slalom and giant slalom events.

A Remarkable Career

Retiring in 2019 after securing a record eighth straight overall World Cup title, Hirscher's legacy includes 67 World Cup race victories, cementing his status as one of the sport's all-time greats. His return raises questions about his ability to compete at the highest level, with many eagerly anticipating his performance in the upcoming season.

Reactions and Speculations

Reactions to Hirscher's return have been mixed, with some expressing doubts about his ability to reclaim his former dominance in the sport, while others, including fellow skiers, have welcomed his comeback as an exciting development for alpine skiing.

Potential Olympic Return

With Hirscher's decorated Olympic history, having won two gold medals at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games and a bronze at the 2014 Sochi Games, there are speculations about the potential of his participation in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. While such possibilities remain uncertain, the prospect of a Hirscher Olympic comeback adds further intrigue to his return to the sport.

Excitement for the Sport

Marcel Hirscher's return, alongside other notable athletes like Lucas Braathen, has injected a sense of excitement and unpredictability into the world of alpine skiing, garnering attention and anticipation from fans and experts alike.

“It’s hard to predict anything right now. It’s a step by step process... Right now the goal is this season. But then you never know, right?”

While the full extent of Hirscher's comeback and the impact it will have on the sport remain to be seen, its significance is undeniable, marking a compelling chapter in the history of alpine skiing.