Marcel Hirscher is returning to ski racing after five years in retirement, competing for the Netherlands instead of his native Austria.

What happened?

The Austrian winter sports federation released Hirscher, allowing him to switch nations and compete on Van Deer skis, a brand he helped create with Red Bull.
Hirscher's decision was driven by his desire to have fun and not take resources from young athletes in Austria.

Why it matters for Marcel Hirscher

As a record eight-time overall World Cup champion, Hirscher's return is significant, with his main aim being to compete at next season's world championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria.
He has been training and testing his equipment throughout the winter, planning to enter lower-level races in New Zealand in August.

What comes next?

Hirscher will compete in both slalom and giant slalom, with his first goal being to get the necessary points to return to the World Cup circuit.
Patrick Riml, Red Bull's ski racing director, said Hirscher has been on snow almost every day, preparing for his return.
The Netherlands, a country with no mountains, has never had a top ski racer like Hirscher, who was born to an Austrian father and a Dutch mother.
Hirscher's return follows that of Lucas Braathen, another Red Bull athlete, who is switching from Norway to Brazil.
Braathen wrote to Hirscher on Instagram, expressing his admiration and looking forward to racing against him.
Hirscher's 67 World Cup race wins are second behind Ingemar Stenmark's 86, and he is eager to add to his tally.
As of his retirement in 2019, Hirscher held the record for the most overall World Cup titles, with eight consecutive wins from 2012 to 2019.
His return to racing will be closely watched, with many wondering if he can still compete at the highest level.
French skier Victor Muffat-Jeandet, also 35, said it won't be easy for Hirscher to win, given the evolution of the sport in the past five years.
Hirscher's decision to compete for the Netherlands allows him to promote Van Deer skis, which are not approved for use by the Austrian federation.
The Austrian federation supported Hirscher's decision, despite regretting his choice to switch nations.
Hirscher's father, Ferdinand, coached him throughout his career, and his mother, Sylvia, is from the Netherlands.
With his return to racing, Hirscher is set to inspire a new generation of ski racers and fans around the world.
As he prepares for his first races, Hirscher is focused on having fun and enjoying the competition.
His legacy as one of the greatest ski racers of all time is already secure, but he is eager to add to his achievements.
The ski racing community is excited to see Hirscher back on the slopes, and his return is expected to generate significant interest and attention.