Marcel Hirscher
Marcel Hirscher
Marcel Hirscher (born March 2, 1989) is a retired Austrian World Cup alpine ski racer. He competed in all five disciplines in the World Cup, with a focus on slalom and giant slalom.
Background and Early Career:
Hirscher was born in Annaberg, Salzburg, Austria. He is the son of Ferdinand and Sylvia Hirscher, who both competed in alpine skiing at the national level. Hirscher began skiing at the age of two and started racing competitively at the age of six.
Hirscher quickly rose through the ranks of the Austrian ski team and made his World Cup debut in 2007 at the age of 17. He achieved his first World Cup podium finish in 2008 in a slalom race in Kitzbühel, Austria.
World Cup Success:
Hirscher became one of the most dominant skiers in the World Cup during the 2010s. He won the overall World Cup title a record eight consecutive times from 2012 to 2019. He also won 67 World Cup races, including 32 in slalom and 29 in giant slalom.
Hirscher was known for his technical skiing, consistency, and ability to perform well in all conditions. He was also a strong competitor in the big events, winning two gold medals at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, and two gold medals at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
Retirement:
Hirscher announced his retirement from competitive skiing in September 2019 at the age of 30. He cited a desire to spend more time with his family and to focus on other projects.
Legacy:
Hirscher is considered one of the greatest alpine skiers of all time. He is the most successful male skier in World Cup history and the only skier to win the overall World Cup title eight times. He was also a role model for young skiers and inspired a new generation of racers.
Awards and Honors:
Hirscher was awarded the FIS Skier of the Year Award a record six times (2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018). He was also named Austrian Sportsman of the Year four times (2013, 2015, 2016, and 2017).
In 2019, Hirscher was inducted into the International Ski Hall of Fame.
Personal Life:
Hirscher is married to Laura Moisl, a former Austrian ski racer. They have two children together.
Hirscher is also a successful businessman. He owns a ski school and a sports management company. He is also involved in several charitable organizations.
