Marcel Hirscher, the legendary ski racer with a record eight overall World Cup titles, is set to make a remarkable return to competitive skiing after five years of retirement. The 35-year-old Austrian, known for his exceptional talent on the slopes, will now represent the Netherlands, his mother's homeland, following a decision by the Austrian winter sports federation to release him and support his nation change.
In a statement, Hirscher expressed his joy in returning to the sport, citing his strong relationship with the Austrian federation while emphasizing that his new endeavor aligns best with his Dutch heritage. This move allows him to compete on Van Deer skis, a brand he co-created with Red Bull, his sponsor, as it is not approved by the Austrian federation.
