Marcel Hirscher to represent the Netherlands in 'new project' after announcing surprise comeback

ByAndrew Wright

Updated 24/04/2024 at 17:39 GMT

Marcel Hirscher has announced he is coming out of retirement to race under the Dutch flag and is targeting a return next season. The alpine skiing legend walked away from the sport in 2019 having competed as an Austrian throughout his career but has now opted to switch nationalities, having been born to a Dutch mother. Hirscher is a two-time Olympic champion and eight-time World Cup winner.

Austrian two-time Olympic champion Marcel Hirscher is planning a sensational comeback to alpine skiing.

The 35-year-old is one of the sport’s most decorated champions, having claimed a record eight straight World Cup titles, 67 World Cup victories, five world titles and three Olympic medals before hanging his skis up in 2019.

He has, however, been unable to shake the competitive itch and is plotting a racing return for the upcoming 2024/25 season.

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In another twist, he will do it under the flag of the Netherlands, having been born to an Austrian father and a Dutch mother.

“I have an excellent relationship with the OSV [Austrian Ski Federation] and am grateful to them for everything we have achieved,” said Hirscher. “This new project is best realised as a Dutch person.”

The Austrian Ski Federation expressed its “regret” that Hirscher had opted to switch nationalities but supported his decision.

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“We have of course tried to offer Marcel the best possible and individual conditions in the event of a return to alpine racing," a statement read.

“Of course, we very much regret his decision to switch to the Dutch Ski Association, but in the end we supported it. Marcel's achievements for the sport and the Austrian federation have been enormous.”

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The switch, which is still subject to International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) approval, will mean Hirscher can compete using Van Deer skis, the brand he co-created with his sponsor Red Bull.

Red Bull’s ski racing director Patrick Riml told the Associated Press that Hirscher has already begun preparations for next season.

“He’s been training the whole season. He’s been on snow pretty much every day of the winter testing his equipment,” Riml said.

As for his hopes of once again contending for podiums and wins, Riml added: “He was amazing when he was racing, he was the best one out there.

“Marcel is Marcel.”

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