“Today is the day that I officially end my skiing career”. With these words, Marcel Hirscher opened his press conference in Salzburg this evening and put an end to an incredible career.
After keeping thousands of skiing fans waiting with bated breath, Hirscher officially announced that the 2018-19 season was sadly his last. He will not be returning to the slopes to try and break further records, but will instead focus on his family and enjoy life from a different perspective.
Hirscher added: “You know me. I eiher go all in, putting 150% effort or nothing. I can be very satisfied with my career, I was very lucky to never get serious injuries in all these years, and I slowly realised that I was not willing to pay the high price that it takes to always be at the top in this sport. Additionally, I wanted to leave as champion and I feel this is the best moment to reitre.”
Marcel Hirscher is beyond a doubt one of the best racers in the history of the World Cup. Throughout his career, the 30-year-old Austrian earned 67 World Cup wins, 128 World Cup podiums, 2 Olympic gold medals, 7 World Championship gold medals and, above all, eight straight World Cup overall titles.
The world of skiing, including his fiercest opponents, will miss such an iconic athlete. Through his solid technique and incredible consistency, Hirscher has inspired generations of skiers. He played a role in elevating the profile of the sport and is widely considered one of the sport's greatest exponents.
Hirscher always displayed great skills in the technical disciplines, excelling in the rhythmic dance of slalom and giant slalom. His poise under pressure and ability to find speed, even on the most intricate of courses, was second to none.
