Marcel Hirscher, one of alpine skiing’s most celebrated athletes, has officially announced his comeback to competitive racing, setting the stage for an electrifying Olympic winter season. The 35-year-old skiing legend, who retired in 2019 after an illustrious career, is poised to return to the slopes as a representative of the Netherlands following a rigorous recovery from a severe knee injury.
Hirscher’s return comes after a grueling rehabilitation process following a cruciate ligament tear earlier this year. The eight-time consecutive overall World Cup champion underwent surgery and dedicated over 1,000 hours to physical therapy and training to reclaim his place among the sport’s elite. Reflecting on his recovery, Hirscher shared his motivation during the difficult moments, saying, “Even in difficult moments, my answer never changed: I want to race again.”
With the full approval of his medical team, Hirscher is shifting from rehabilitation into “full athlete mode.” He plans to return to on-snow training in September, with no specific date yet announced for his first race. “Training hard again is bringing me a lot of joy. It’s shaping up to be a very athletic summer,” he shared, signaling his readiness to tackle the rigors of competition.
Erich Spiess / ASP / Red Bull Content Pool
Addressing his return with a hint of humor, Hirscher invoked LL Cool J’s famous line, “Now call it a comeback,” acknowledging the magnitude of his achievement. After more than half a decade away from World Cup races, his return marks one of the most anticipated storylines of the season.
Hirscher’s storied career includes 67 World Cup victories and two Olympic gold medals, making him one of the most accomplished skiers in history. His decision to compete for the Netherlands—his mother’s home country—adds another layer of intrigue to this new chapter.
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has granted Hirscher 17 wildcards, originally allocated last season when he had expressed plans to return. These wildcards, typically reserved for extraordinary athletes making comebacks, guarantee him entry into World Cup races without requiring qualification through FIS points. This gesture not only underscores his past accolades but also his enduring relevance in the sport.
Hirscher’s comeback coincides with his role as co-founder of VAN DEER–Red Bull Sports, a company focused on developing elite ski equipment. For Hirscher, stepping back into competition is as much about personal achievement as it is about advancing his brand’s mission. “We’re heading into our first Olympic winter at VAN DEER, and we’re all working toward a shared goal: making our skis and boots better for racing, so that both our athletes and customers benefit,” he explained. “That’s why it’s clear to me where I can contribute most—right at the heart of the racing scene, as part of the athlete team.”
While it remains to be seen whether Hirscher will reclaim his former dominance or carve out a new path on his terms, his comeback adds a dynamic element to the upcoming season. Balancing his competitive aspirations with family life, his business commitments, and training, Hirscher remains deeply grateful for the support he’s received. “I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’m receiving—both personally and professionally—for my ‘Back to Racing’ mission,” he said.
For fans, rivals, and the broader skiing community, Hirscher’s presence on the World Cup circuit reinvigorates the sport with a renewed sense of anticipation. His story is not just a testament to his extraordinary talent but also a powerful reminder of resilience and the unyielding pursuit of greatness.