New wildcard could clear path for Marcel Hirscher comeback

The Dutch ski federation is working on a possible comeback for Marcel Hirscher, ORF reported. FIS race director Markus Waldner said he would support granting the eight-time overall World Cup winner a new wildcard.

“We will certainly give him permission,” Waldner said in an interview with ORF. “It is always a great boost to have such a superstar taking part in a race.”

Hirscher switched from the Austrian to the Dutch federation and used a wildcard to compete in three races in the 2024-25 season, starting with race numbers above 30. He then missed the remainder of the season after suffering a cruciate ligament tear.

One proposal from the Dutch federation would allow Hirscher to race after the top 40 competitors instead of after the top 30. Although he has completed only three of 20 possible wildcard starts, almost two years have passed since then.

Waldner said Hirscher might be able to use an injury status, which would theoretically allow him to compete 17 more times. Each race would require a separate request, however.

The FIS Council is expected to make a final decision at its autumn meeting in Geneva in two weeks, before the World Cup season begins in Sölden on October 25. It remains uncertain whether Hirscher will return after his injury.

As an Austrian athlete, Hirscher won two Olympic gold medals and one silver, as well as seven world championship titles and four silver medals.