Marcel Hirscher: “Now call it a comeback!”

Now call it a comeback!

Six and a half months have passed since Marcel Hirscher’s cruciate ligament tear and knee surgery. He has just passed all the required medical tests with flying colors. A decisive milestone on his long road back. “More than a thousand hours of rehab, therapy, and strength training in 197 days since my surgery — that was a lot of time to reflect. In the end, it comes down to two questions: What do I want from life? And what does life want from me? Even in the toughest moments, my answer has always stayed the same: to race again!”

An injury, reflects the founder of VAN DEER–Red Bull Sports, teaches you that things we take for granted aren’t actually guaranteed: health. Recovery. Motivation. Companions along the way. “With everything I’ve already experienced in ski racing, this was something I hadn’t gone through yet — and it gives me strength. Because the good that has emerged over the past few years — ideas becoming brands, brands becoming companies and communities — also comes with a sense of responsibility. At VAN DEER–Red Bull Sports, we’re now heading into a winter with our first Olympic Games. All of us are working toward a shared vision: to make our skis and boots better for racing, so our customers benefit. That’s why it’s also clear where I can contribute best: right in the middle of the racing action, as part of the athlete team.”

Following the successful completion of his medical checks, the FIS has decided to award Marcel Hirscher the 17 remaining wild cards from last winter. Now the countdown is on for his return to the grand World Cup stage. And that makes a term more fitting for him — one that he had consciously avoided after more than five years away from competitive ski racing:

It's a different situation now: I was injured and I'm coming back - Now call it a comeback

is Marcel Hirscher's motto.

What does his roadmap for the coming months look like?
“Right now, I’m transitioning from rehab to athlete mode. More training volume, higher intensity — it doesn’t look like physical therapy and it doesn’t feel like it either. It’s going to be a sporty summer: Time management between family, business, vacation, and friends remains tight, but has settled well. I’m very grateful for the great support I receive both privately and professionally in my mission ‘Back to Racing.’”

Next reality check: the plan is to start skiing again in September at the earliest! That will then define the timing for the next steps. Marcel Hirscher: "From today's perspective, I can't say for sure when I'll finally be back at the start of a World Cup race. But if it's up to me, then sooner rather than later."