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Last year brought one big surprise in the world of skiing; the return of the nine-time winner of the World Cup, who decided to ski again under the Dutch flag. At the time, many considered it more of a marketing move than sports goals, but the legendary 35-year-old had different intentions.
The season started in a great way for him, as he managed to win points at the opening in the giant slalom in Solden. However, the happiness did not last long. A serious injury removed him from the competition and forced him to miss the rest of the season. Questions immediately began: was it wise to return to the snow after a long break and at this age?
Dutch flag and return
Most skiing fans have resigned themselves to the fact that they won't see him in the race again, but then – a shock. Marcel Hirscher has announced that he is returning for the 2025/2026 season, which will also include the Winter Olympics in Cortina and Milan.
"I'm ready for another season, now you can call it a comeback," he posted on Instagram.
"Over a thousand hours of rehabilitation, therapy and recovery training in the 197 days since my surgery - that's a lot of time to think," he said, adding:
"In the end, two questions arise: What do I want from life? What does life want from me? Even in frustrating moments, my answer to both questions has always remained the same: To race again!"
The skier who is the reason we fell in love with this sport will once again compete with the Dutch crest on his helmet. Like last season, he will have a protected rating, which means starting numbers around 30. You have to earn such a privilege, and he has earned it as a former World Cup winner.
The question is how dominant he will be given his age, but it will certainly be nice to see him back on the ski slopes, considering that he is the person who awakened the love for this sport in many.
English (US) ·