The skiing icon Hirscher has made a decision: he will make his debut in the Netherlands on Sunday

Alpine skier Marcel Hirscher is fit enough to take part in the World Cup season opener in Sölden, Austria, on Sunday and his first trip to the Netherlands. The 35-year-old ski icon from Austria has that today announced on social media.

Hirscher participates with a wild card in the giant slalom category (Sunday from 10am). The seven-time and two-time Olympic champion retired in 2019, but announced in April that he wanted to return. Not as Austrian, but as Dutch.

It was not clear for a long time whether he would be able to play at the first World Cup of the new season this weekend. Due to illness, Hirscher fell behind in training during the preparations. He wanted to postpone the decision about returning as long as possible.

Until his retirement in 2019, Hirscher played for Austria, the country where he was born and where he still lives. Because of his Dutch mother, he also has Dutch nationality, which means he can compete under the Dutch flag.

In July, Hirscher revealed his plans for the future. “I want to participate for at least a year, after that I will be 36 and there comes a time when you are too old for this sport.”