Alpine skiing legend Marcel Hirscher has decided to halt his comeback attempt for the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics. After coming out of retirement last season, the 36-year-old athlete representing the Netherlands on the World Cup circuit suffered a setback when he tore the ACL in his left knee after just three races.
The eight-time World Cup overall champion and double Olympic gold medalist had set his sights on qualifying for the Winter Games in Italy, slated to commence on February 6. However, in a video message shared on social media in German, Hirscher expressed that his current performance level is not up to par with World Cup standards due to a recent calf injury that required a two-week break over the holidays. He cited a lack of speed and confidence as hindrances to his ability to compete.
Acknowledging the disappointment, Hirscher mentioned that he regrets not being able to participate this year and hopes to make a return next season. Despite his impressive track record, which includes competing in three Olympic Games and securing titles in giant slalom and alpine combined, along with a silver in slalom, Hirscher fell short of claiming an Olympic gold medal in slalom, a discipline in which he excelled throughout his career. With 67 career wins in World Cup races, Hirscher holds the second position on the all-time men’s list, trailing only Ingemar Stenmark.