Overview

• In an Instagram video on June 18 Hirscher declared himself ready for a full World Cup season after recovering from his December cruciate ligament injury.
• The FIS will allow him to carry his 17 wildcard entries into the 2025-2026 season, preserving access to favorable start numbers in slalom and giant slalom races.
• He first returned to competition last October for the Netherlands after a five-year hiatus, delivering a notable 23rd-place finish in the giant slalom at Sölden.
• FIS Race Director Markus Waldner welcomed his comeback as a major boost for alpine racing and praised the decision to maintain his wildcard status.
• Over his career the 36-year-old Austrian secured eight straight overall World Cup titles, 67 race wins, two Olympic gold medals and seven world championship titles.