Hirscher second-coming?

Following a decent show at last October’s Sölden’s season opening, Hirscher couldn’t replicate his GS performance in the two following slaloms he competed in, and decided to train much harder. 

In doing so, he tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee. On December 3, the eight-time overall World Cup champion sustained the injury while training at Reiteralm, Austria. The injury, described as a “harmless slip” caused by an inside ski error, also included minor damage to the outer capsule of his knee but did not involve a fall.

The good news is that Marcel was successfully operated at a local private clinic in Graz. His season’s “second-coming” under the Dutch flag is probably settled for good. Going back to something we leave early is never simple. 

I remember returning to teach skiing at the Avoriaz ski school for Christmas of 1976, two year after I quit the place and it wasn’t a pleasant experience at all. I instantly rediscovered all the good reasons why I had left in 1974. While not a nice feeling, it comforted me at least in my early decision. 

I’m pretty sure Marcel must have partially felt that way. At least, he pushed his idea as far as he could…