Shocking news: Never again Marcel Hirscher?

Marcel Hirscher will not compete this Olympic winter. The eight-time overall Ski World Cup winner, who was working on his comeback after a cruciate ligament tear, has postponed his return to the World Cup indefinitely.

09 January 2026

From: apa/dl

“The truth is, it’s just not possible. The pace I can maintain isn’t World Cup worthy,” Hirscher said in an Instagram video on Friday. “I’ll keep training and maybe I’ll make it next year.”

Hirscher had officially aimed for a comeback in January. However, that's no longer the case. "There are no World Cup races or Olympic Games for me this year," Hirscher said. He reported a forced break of 14 days around Christmas due to a calf injury. "That doesn't exactly help to regain speed and confidence. When I return to World Cup racing, I want to do it properly."

Comeback attempt unsuccessful so far

Hirscher suffered a torn cruciate ligament in his left knee at the beginning of December 2024 – relatively early in his comeback season after a break of over five and a half years. Because of the injury, the 36-year-old was unable to train on snow during the summer. In the fall, he lost another three weeks due to a viral infection.

"I will continue training and maybe I'll make it by next year." Marcel Hirscher

A training session on the Reiteralm "with the very best" has now reinforced his decision. "Haters gonna love it. For all those who would have liked to see me skiing: I personally don't enjoy it either, I'm sorry it's not possible this year."

Keywords Winter sports Alpine skiing Marcel Hirscher