Marcel Hirscher's Comeback Season Ends Injured

Marcel Hirscher's much-anticipated comeback to skiing has been cut short due to a torn cruciate ligament in his left knee, sustained during training. The 35-year-old, who returned to the World Cup after a five-year hiatus, expressed deep disappointment, stating, 'Cruciate ligament gone, project over!' Hirscher's brief return saw him place 23rd in the giant slalom at Sölden but fail to qualify in subsequent races. Following surgery, he hinted at the possibility of retirement, saying, 'Maybe I’m finally done with my journey.' His injury adds to a troubling trend in the sport, where other top competitors like Aleksander Aamodt Kilde and Mikaela Shiffrin are also sidelined by injuries. Hirscher's legacy includes being an eight-time overall World Cup winner and two-time Olympic champion, leaving fans to ponder if this is the end of his illustrious career.