Marcel Hirscher is planning his comeback in the World Cup. © ANSA / JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BOTT

Hirscher gives a deep insight: “That was never the plan”

Marcel Hirscher is working on his comeback to the icy slopes of the World Cup. After tearing his cruciate ligament, the eight-time overall World Cup winner is determined not to repeat certain mistakes.

July 01, 2025

From: never

The wildcard, which allowed Hirscher and Lindsey Vonn to return to the World Cup despite years of absence, was both a blessing and a curse, according to the Austrian. "This wildcard really did a number on me," Hirscher was told by the Kronen Zeitung A return to the World Cup was never planned, but the new backdoor for former top athletes turned everything upside down. "That was never the plan. I certainly wasn't as ready as I would have liked," Hirscher said. "But suddenly the wheel started spinning so fast that I couldn't keep up."

Last season, Hirscher competed in the opening giant slalom in Sölden (23rd place), but his performances in the slalom in Gurgl (46th place) and Levi (DNF1) were less successful. Then came the cruciate ligament tear. "I'll never let a wildcard stress me out again. I'll race when I think I'm ready," the 36-year-old said, summing up his personal experience.

Hirscher: Double luck in misfortune

At least Hirscher can carry his remaining 17 wildcards into the coming season and thus continue to race with bib number 31. The fact that his injury was "only" an isolated cruciate ligament tear ultimately provides him with a double dose of luck. "I've never been in pain, so the signs are good. But we'll see how things ultimately turn out," said the two-time Olympic champion.

Marcel Hirscher wants to return to the slopes. © ANSA / ANNA SZILAGYI

The 2026 Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo are not a particular goal for the seven-time world champion. The phenomenon of the Olympics is incomparable, "but sometimes you think, a World Ski Championship has always had more appreciation for the athletes for me. The Olympic Games are very complex," he noted. Hirscher is therefore initially focusing on the World Cup, and he wants to prove himself again in the slalom and giant slalom. "I kind of need them mutually," he explained. "Of course, I would like to be able to compete in all the races and get the most out of this season." Hirscher would certainly be capable of that – as long as his knee holds up.