Hirscher Ends 2026 Olympic Comeback Bid

Salzburg, Austria – Alpine skiing legend Marcel Hirscher announced Friday that he will not return to World Cup competition this winter, effectively ending his bid to compete in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.

The 36-year-old skier, who retired five years ago after a storied career, attempted a comeback last season under the flag of the Netherlands, his mother's native country. After just three races, Hirscher suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during giant slalom training in December 2024. He had set his sights on a January 2026 return to qualify for the Games, which begin February 6 in Italy. However, a subsequent calf injury over the holidays forced a two-week training break, further hindering his recovery.

In a video message posted on social media, Hirscher explained that his progress has not met the demands of elite competition. "The truth is, it's just not possible," he said. "The pace I can maintain isn't World Cup worthy." He added that training alongside top athletes on Austria's Reiteralm glacier highlighted the gap in his performance. "That doesn't exactly help regain speed and confidence," Hirscher noted. "When I do compete in World...