Alpine skiing legend Marcel Hirscher has announced his decision to forego his comeback bid for the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics. After coming out of retirement last season to compete for the Netherlands on the World Cup circuit, the 36-year-old Hirscher suffered an ACL tear in his left knee after just three races, hindering his return plans.
The eight-time World Cup overall champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist had aimed to qualify for the Winter Games in Italy scheduled to commence on Feb. 6. However, in a video message shared on social media in German, Hirscher admitted that his current performance level falls short of World Cup standards, citing a lack of pace following a calf injury that required a two-week holiday break.
Expressing disappointment over the situation, Hirscher acknowledged the challenges he faces and conveyed his regret at not being able to compete this year. He reassured fans that he hopes to return to racing next season. Throughout his career, Hirscher participated in three Olympic Games from 2010 to 2018, securing victories in giant slalom and alpine combined events, along with a silver medal in slalom.
Despite his numerous accomplishments, including 67 World Cup race wins – the second-highest in men’s history after Ingemar Stenmark – Hirscher fell short of claiming an Olympic gold medal in slalom, a notable absence in the career of one of the greatest slalom skiers of his era.
