At 40 years old: This comeback astonishes the ski world

Cerro Catedral is a 2400 meter high mountain in Argentina. Because it offers a magnificent view of the picturesque Lake Nahuel Huapi, this hill is a popular destination for tourists. In the current South American winter, Cerro Catedral is one thing above all: a sought-after destination for ski races.

Last week, among other things, an FIS slalom took place. Many a ski fan may have rubbed their eyes in amazement when they saw the results list. On the one hand, because the winner of the race had the incredibly high start number 85. On the other hand, because this same triumphant goes by the name Akira Sasaki. He is the most successful Japanese skier in recent history - and has actually been retired for more than eight years! An ambitious plan Sasaki's career ended on March 9, 2014. The 143 meter tall technology specialist took part in 1,82 World Cup races and even made it onto the podium three times. His first podium finish was particularly memorable. In 2003, he sensationally advanced to second place in the Lauberhorn slalom in Wengen with start number 65, beaten only by the legendary Giorgio Rocca. In 2014, the then 32-year-old had enough of the world's most popular winter sport due to physical problems. Or so he thought. Now, more than eight years later, the now 40-year-old Japanese is returning to the ski business with an ambitious plan.

Akira Sasaki returns.

Sasaki wants to take part in the Olympic Games for the fifth time. He took part in Salt Lake City in 2002, Turin in 2006, Vancouver in 2010 and Sochi in 2014, and is now aiming to compete at the 2026 Olympics in Milan and Cortina. “For the last three years I asked myself what was the biggest challenge I could take on. “Deep in my heart I knew what it was, but until now I didn’t have the courage to say it: it’s a return to the world of racing,” writes Sasaki on a crowdfunding page he wants to use to finance his comeback . The strangest comeback of the year Sasaki is already supported by the ski brand Fischer, whose skis he travels with. “I'm celebrating that I can start my second career after an eight-year break. “I’m really happy that I’m back in the white circus,” said the 40-year-old, who now has to fight his way back up the world rankings. In any case, the strangest comeback of the year took place in the middle of our midsummer.

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At 40 years old: This comeback astonishes the ski world

With the temperatures currently prevailing in Europe, there is no feeling of skiing. But that's not the case everywhere. On the other side of the world it's winter, there are ski races going on - and there was recently a comeback that completely stunned the entire scene.

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