For Marcel Hirscher, his comeback project is becoming more difficult than expected. At least in the slalom.
After finishing 23rd in the giant slalom in Sölden with the third best time in the second round at the start, the eight-time overall World Cup winner missed out on the final in the first slalom of the season in Levi this week spent In Gurgl, the 35-year-old was killed on the ice slope. Result >>>
“The first ten goals were cool, which was good for me. Then I thought to myself: Not bad – not ideal, but ok. Then the steep slope entrance… any chance,” says ” not even particularly pissed off ” Hirscher.
Hirscher doesn’t want to completely question the slalom project, but admits he had doubts the day before the race. “But today I was here. Let’s see how it turns out.”
A notebook instead of a complete Bible
The relevant coordination poses challenges in particular for Hirscher and his Van Deer team.
“I have to be honest, I thought it would be easier,” admits the winner of 67 World Cup races. The experiences from his “first career” would hardly help him today.
“You can describe it like this: The first two pages of my notebook are full of writing. I used to have a whole Bible and I also wrote on the outside of it. That’s just so tame. We cannot say: Here and That is our boot with the attitude and layout of the skis and so on.
The notebook must now be filled with every training day, with every swing, with every trip.
Hirscher: “That’s why I’m here and I’m facing it”
That’s why Hirscher is taking the trip abroad, where a giant slalom would be on the program in Beaver Creek on December 8. “I’m staying at home, I have a lot to do.”
But he doesn’t know exactly where to start in training. ”But that’s also part of this big journey. It’s definitely a big challenge for me, but that’s exactly what it’s about. That’s why I’m here and I’m facing it.”
These slalom highlights await the men in 2024/25
What do you think of this article?
What challenges do athletes like Marcel Hirscher face when making a comeback to competitive sports?
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our interview! Today we’re diving into the world of competitive skiing, with a special focus on Marcel Hirscher and his recent comeback. Joining us is Dr. Anna Richter, a sports performance analyst and former competitive skier. Thank you for being here, Dr. Richter!
Dr. Anna Richter: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this fascinating topic.
Time.news Editor: Let’s jump right in. Marcel Hirscher has been a dominant figure in skiing, winning eight overall World Cup titles. But lately, his performance has been under scrutiny after finishing 23rd in the giant slalom and missing the final in his first slalom of the season. What do you think is contributing to the challenges he’s facing?
Dr. Anna Richter: It’s fascinating, isn’t it? Hirscher’s situation highlights the physical and psychological challenges of returning to high-level competition after a break. Skiing at that level requires not only peak physical conditioning but also an extraordinary mental state. It’s clear that while he still has the talent, adjusting back into competition can be a steep learning curve, especially in disciplines like slalom where precision is everything.
Time.news Editor: He mentioned having mixed feelings about his performances, stating that “the first ten goals were cool” but then struggled on the steep slope entrance. How significant is this mental aspect in a comeback scenario?
Dr. Anna Richter: Very significant. The mental game often dictates the physical performance in sports. Hirscher’s initial confidence is crucial, but when facing difficulties, doubts can creep in. The steep entrance he mentioned indicates a critical point where a skier must trust their instincts and skills under pressure. This can be the difference between a strong run and a disappointing finish. A small lapse in confidence or technique on a challenging course can lead to major setbacks.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like his experience is a reminder of how even elite athletes face hurdles. Looking ahead, what strategies could Hirscher and his team employ to regain his competitive edge?
Dr. Anna Richter: Focus on incremental progress is key. First, he should analyze his runs with his coaches to identify specific areas of improvement—breaking down each section of the slalom course. This can help in rebuilding confidence and refining technique. Additionally, incorporating mental training techniques, such as visualization and mindfulness, can enhance his performance under pressure. I’d also suggest ramping up time on the slope in various conditions to build adaptability.
Time.news Editor: Those sound like valuable strategies. Has Hirscher’s approach to training and competition changed from when he was dominating the sport to now?
Dr. Anna Richter: Absolutely. With age and experience, there’s often a shift in focus. Earlier in his career, the emphasis might have been on sheer physical training and dominance in competition. Now, it may be more about managing longevity and adapting strategies to maintain competitive performance. Balancing physical conditioning with recovery is crucial for athletes in their mid-thirties facing lower muscle resilience compared to their younger selves.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like Marcel Hirscher’s journey is not just about physical prowess, but also mental fortitude and adaptation. What do you think fans can learn from his experiences?
Dr. Anna Richter: Fans can learn about the resilience required in sports and the importance of patience. Great athletes, even those at the pinnacle of their sports, face adversity and must navigate through it. It’s a testament to the fact that even elite performance isn’t always linear. Supporting athletes in their ups and downs is essential, as it can often take time to find that competitive edge again.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Richter, for sharing your insights! It will be interesting to see how Hirscher navigates the remainder of this season.
Dr. Anna Richter: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing how he evolves as he continues his comeback.
Time.news Editor: And that’s a wrap! We’ll keep our eyes on Hirscher’s journey. Thank you to our audience for tuning in!
