Marcel
Hirscher
Austria
·
Alpine Skiing
Date of birth | March 2, 1989 |
|---|---|
Birthplace | Annaberg-Lungötz |
Age | 36 |
Nationality | Austria |
Career start | 2008 |
Disciplines | Slalom Skiing |
Within the space of two years, alpine pro Marcel Hirscher went from being relatively unknown on the professional scene to well and truly establishing himself as the slalom king of the slopes. Between 2007 and 2009, Hirscher enjoyed much success in the Slalom, Giant Slalom and Super G events at the Junior World Ski Championships, claiming a series of podiums, including three gold medals, two silver and a bronze across all three disciplines. As he approached his late teens, Hirscher began setting his sights on the Men's senior events. The transition was tough and he suffered some heavy defeats at the hands of his older, more experienced rivals. But all that changed in 2012. Something just clicked and he went from taking 15th place overall in the FIS World Cup in 2011 to winning the championship in 2012. Hirscher won the overall title again in 2013 with six victories, including claiming the Slalom title and runner-up spot in Giant Slalom. He scored a total of 18 podium finishes out of 19 races in the two technical events. This successive victory meant he became the first male skier to defend his overall World Cup title since fellow Austrian Stephan Eberharter in 2002 and 2003. Hirscher then went on to take the overall FIS Alpine Ski World Cup again in 2014 and successfully defended his title in 2015, topping his season off with first place rankings in the Slalom and Giant Slalom disciplines too. He continued his skiing dominance throughout 2016 and 2017 with more titles across the Slalom and Giant Slalom disciplines, all while amassing enough points to secure two more Overall titles. Then, in 2018, Hirscher put in another series of powerful displays throughout the season to score his fifth Giant Slalom and Slalom titles – and become the first skier to win seven Overall titles. The records didn't stop there for Hirscher, who in December 2018 became the most successful Austrian ever on the World Cup circuit (overtaking Annemarie Moser-Pröll's mark of 62 wins) and eclipsing Ingemar Stenmark's calendar year win record, with an amazing 14 wins that season.
Marcel Hirscher is one of the most decorated skiers of all time
© Joerg Mitter/Red Bull Content Pool
Marcel Hirscher is ready to race again
© Erich Spiess / Red Bull Content Pool
Marcel Hirscher now competes for the Netherlands
© Joerg Mitter/Red Bull Content Pool
Marcel Hirscher in action
© Joerg Mitter/Red Bull Content Pool