Austria's skiing superstar, Marcel Hirscher, is poised for a spectacular comeback. The 35-year-old from Salzburg, who ended his career in 2019, plans to compete in the Alpine World Cup for the Netherlands, his mother's homeland. The Austrian Ski Federation approved the nationality switch on Wednesday.
"Of course, we regret his decision to apply for a nationality change to the Dutch Ski Association, but ultimately, we have supported it, stated ÖSV Secretary General Christian Scherer on Wednesday. In recent days, discussions took place with "various stakeholders where we were informed that Marcel Hirscher could envisage a return to the international ski circus, Scherer further commented.
Hirscher Secures Eight World Cup Titles
Hirscher clinched the overall World Cup title eight times consecutively from 2011 to 2019, more often than anyone else, before his retirement. The double Olympic champion and seven-time world champion aims to accumulate ranking points in New Zealand this summer in hopes of competing with the world's best in the upcoming World Cup winter season. Hirscher has to his name 67 World Cup victories and a total of 138 podium finishes. With seven World Championship titles and four silver medals, he is the most successful World Championship participant in history. Additionally, he has won the small crystal globe in slalom and the giant slalom six times each.
The OSV has endeavored to offer Hirscher the best possible and personalized conditions for his return, which we were able to convey to him in a personal discussion.However, as an expression of appreciation for his previous contributions to skiing, they unanimously agreed to his request for a federation change.
I would like the opportunity to race from time to time, Hirscher himself shared in a statement. Simply because I enjoy it. Regarding his decision for the Netherlands, he mentioned, The future at the OSV belongs to the younger athletes, and thus I do not want resources to be tied up, special rules created, or starting places held open because of me. My new project will be easier to implement in Holland.
Felix
Neureuther: Exactly What Skiing
Needs
I was incredibly pleased, said Hirscher’s friend and longtime rival, Felix Neureuther. This is exactly what skiing needs during these challenging times. Hirscher could help reintroduce characters and stories to a sport that has lately been plagued by negative headlines related to environmental issues, sustainability, and federation disputes.
Neureuther learned of Hirscher's intentions over the phone. Although there had been speculation since Hirscher's retirement in 2019, his return came as very surprising to many, including ARD expert Neureuther, because it is a courageous move." As described by the Kurier, Hirscher is a nobody as a Dutchman.
Second Spectacular Comeback
Following Braathen
The training will be led by renowned coach Patrick Riml (formerly OSV and US Ski Association), with Hirscher's first manager Michael Holzer, service legend Edi Unterberger, and likely his father Ferdinand also involved. Moreover, since September 2021, Hirscher has backed his own ski brand (Van Deer), which his former rival Henrik Kristoffersen has succeeded in the World Cup.
Should Hirscher return, it would be his second spectacular comeback. In March, the Norwegian-born Lucas Pinheiro Braathen had already announced his return to the World Cup, now competing for Brazil, his mother's home country. The 24-year-old slalom specialist stepped down last October following a dispute with the Norwegian federation.
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