Eight-time World Cup Champion Marcel Hirscher, who once walked away from the slopes, is making a comeback that no one saw coming. After a five-year break, the Alpine Skiing star is back on the slopes and charged up to rediscover the joy of skiing. Although Hirscher’s fans are excited to see him glide on the snow, what drove him back?

The answer lies in Hirscher’s passion and love for skiing. Also, to the surprise of fans and the Alpine Skiing community, Marcel will no longer compete for Austria but has shifted to represent the Netherlands, as his mother is Dutch. And the story unfolds…

Marcel Hirscher’s emotional return to skiing

Marcel Hirscher is making headlines due to his comeback, but not to forget that he earned many titles, Olympic gold, and several records when he competed till 2019. After returning, Hirscher confirmed that he would be competing in the season-opening giant slalom in Solden, Austria.

The former Austrian skiing star has openly admitted to being overwhelmed by his return. As he stepped back into the competitive arena, he will have to compete with a new generation, and it can be challenging. Talking to Eurosport, Marcel Hirscher expressed his feelings: “It is very emotional, to be honest. I mean, so many thoughts back in the days where I was in my first career, and in the morning I thought about it. My first World Cup race was when I was 18, I think, so I’m now turning 36. That means at this point where I was 18, those guys that are competing against me were born at this time. So this is crazy.”

Hirscher holds a record of 67 World Cup wins, which makes him second in the list of most World Cup wins after Sweden’s Ingemar Stenmark, who leads with 86 wins. In an interview, Hirscher stated, “So many emotions are coming back because I’ve been here quite often in front of the leaderboard.”

While it remains unclear if he will carry on skiing all the way to the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games, only time will tell… By now, though, it has been purely about living in the moment. Marcel is eyeing to reclaim his passion and perhaps his ninth overall World Cup title. From powerful legacy to unexpected comeback, what does this new chapter mean for Hirscher?

Marcel Hirscher has returned with a different approach

Hirscher’s comeback is different from Lucas Braathen or any other athlete due to the perspective on competition. There was a time when he used to play only to win, but now his priority is to enjoy the game and cherish every moment. This shift in focus has allowed him to approach the next competition with excitement. While some are risking their family skiing legacy, Hirscher is doing this for his love for the sport.

By letting go of the pressure of winning, the 2x Olympic gold winner wants to enjoy skiing without worrying about winning or losing. While he is aware that the new generation can be a challenge for him, he is happy being in the sport. He said, “The big stars of alpine ski racing are definitely nowadays a whole new generation but it is just so fantastic after five years being back here in this position.”

Hirscher retired five years ago after winning eight consecutive World Cups from 2012 to 2019, along with many other medals and titles. Now, his return at this point is a reminder that the true essence of sports lies in the passion and dedication of its athletes.

As Marcel Hirscher’s new journey has started, it remains to be seen how far he can push himself. But one thing is certain: his return will leave a mark on the world of Alpine skiing. Whether he achieves victory or not, his story will surely inspire people to pursue their dreams.