Marcel Hirscher Announces Return to Skiing

Marcel Hirscher, the celebrated Austrian skier, is set to make his competitive return at the World Cup opener in Soelden, Austria, this Sunday, after a five-year hiatus following his retirement in 2019. At 35, Hirscher boasts an impressive record of eight consecutive overall World Cup titles and two Olympic golds. His comeback is made possible by a new wild card provision from the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, allowing retired champions to re-enter competition without needing to qualify through lower-ranked events. Hirscher has chosen to represent the Netherlands, his mother's country, instead of Austria, which adds a unique twist to his return. While he expresses confidence in his fitness, he acknowledges the challenges of limited training and adapting to new equipment. Alongside Hirscher, former Norwegian skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen will also make his comeback, now representing Brazil.