Marcel Hirscher Shines in Ski World Cup Comeback

After a five-year hiatus, skiing legend Marcel Hirscher returns to compete for the Netherlands, placing 23rd in Sölden's giant slalom.

Marcel Hirscher, an eight-time World Cup champion, returned to skiing after retiring in 2019, now representing the Netherlands due to his Dutch heritage.
Hirscher's comeback at the Sölden World Cup opener saw him finish 23rd, earning points and drawing significant media attention.
Lucas Braathen, another returning skier, competed for Brazil and narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth.
The race was marked by surprises, including the early exit of Swiss favorite Marco Odermatt and underwhelming performances from other top contenders.
The introduction of new Wildcards by the International Ski Federation allowed Hirscher to compete, highlighting his shift in focus from winning to enjoying the sport.