Marcel Hirscher granted wild card by FIS, eligible for Soelden World Cup opener
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) confirmed that the application filed by the Dutch federation is "valid and compliant."
Alpine Skiing
Alpine skiing legend Marcel Hirscher will be able to line up at the starting gate of the 2024/25 World Cup season opener in Soelden, Austria, on 27 October, more than five years after his last race.
Last April, the 35-year-old announced his plans to return to competition, representing the Netherlands - his mother’s home country - instead of his native Austria.
At the end of the Committee Meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, on Friday (27 September), the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) confirmed that "the Dutch federation's application for a wild card for Hirscher, filed during the summer, is valid and compliant."
FIS added "this means that Hirscher is eligible to take part in the first competition of the season in Soelden."
The wild card allows the double Olympic champion to secure a bib for World Cup events without the need to earn FIS points in other competitions.
If he decides to compete, Hirscher's starting position will be after the top 30 and any skiers with over 500 points. The Dutch Federation is required to submit a new wildcard application at least five weeks prior to each World Cup event that Hirscher intends to participate in, allowing for a total of up to 20 World Cup starts.
In August, the tech specialist spent a few weeks in New Zealand's South Island at the Roundhill Ski Area to test his skis but didn't take part in the races at Coronet Peak, missing the opportunity to collect important FIS points. More recently, the ski legend trained in the Austrian Alps with former teammate Max Franz, as shared on his social profiles.
Hirscher was born in 1989 to an Austrian father and a Dutch mother and holds both nationalities. He represented Austria throughout his career before retiring in 2019 as one of the most successful skiers the country has ever produced.
His long list of conquests includes winning a record number of eight overall World Cups, 67 World Cup victories, five world titles and three Olympic medals: two gold and one silver.