Hirscher, Vonn, Pinheiro Braathen: GEPA pictures
The 2024/25 Comebacks: Hirscher, Vonn, and Pinheiro Braathen – Where Are They Now?
In an epic plot twist to the 2024/25 World Cup season, three legendary skiers—Marcel Hirscher, Lindsey Vonn, and Lucas Pinheiro Braathen—decided to dust off their ski boots and make a World Cup comeback. Each athlete has made a powerful return to the World Cup circuit, showing their steadfast dedication and passion for the sport.
Wildcard Rule – The Athletes’ Magic Carpet
While much younger Pinheiro Braathen maintained sufficient FIS points to mount his comeback, Hirscher and Vonn returned thanks to the newly implemented “wildcard” rule for the 2024/25 World Cup season, introduced during the FIS pre-season meetings in Zurich. According to this rule, athletes who have not competed in the past two seasons but have secured major titles—such as an Olympic gold medal, a World Championship, an overall World Cup title, or a discipline title with at least five race wins—can return and race in the 31st (wildcard) start position.
Marcel Hirscher’s Short-Lived Comeback
Marcel Hirscher, known as the “King of the Mountains,” announced his return to competitive skiing on April 24, 2024. After retiring in 2019, he concluded his career with 67 World Cup victories and a record eight consecutive World Cup overall titles. Hirscher came back not as a member of the Austrian team but representing the Netherlands (his mother’s native country). At the time, he explained his reasons for returning.
“For people asking, ‘Why are you doing this?’ for me it’s clear—because the joy of skiing never left. It’s just so much fun for me,” Hirscher shared on Instagram.
Season-Ending Injury
A severe knee injury abruptly ended Hirscher’s return to competition. After only three appearances in Sölden, Levi, and Gurgl, the 35-year-old’s season ended prematurely. During an unfortunate training session in November, he tore his ACL in his left knee from a seemingly minor slip. Although he underwent surgery, Hirscher declared his 2025 comeback over.
What’s Next for Hirscher?
Hirscher’s future remains uncertain. Initially committed to this season, speculation now suggests a possible return in 2026 with hopes of an Olympic comeback. Although his pre-injury performance didn’t match his elite past, he remains one of the greatest skiers in history. Only time will tell if he has one last chapter left in his remarkable career.
Lindsey Vonn’s High-Profile Return
Lindsey Vonn’s re-entry to the World Cup scene has been nothing short of a spectacle. With a record 82 World Cup wins and a collection of Olympic and World Championship medals, Vonn announced her comeback in November, following her 2019 retirement due to multiple knee surgeries. At 40, and with a partial knee replacement, she has returned to the sport she loves with her sights set on the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
Her comeback sparked both excitement and skepticism. Despite criticism over her age and speed, Vonn remains undeterred. She delivered a dazzling performance in St. Anton, finishing fourth in the super-G and sixth in the downhill. Since then, she has earned eight top-20 finishes, including two at the recent World Championships.
Vonn’s Resilience
In her own words, Vonn recently shared, “I love skiing, and that’s the only reason I came back to this sport.” She acknowledged her challenges, stating, “I try to be strong, but I’m not always strong. I am human.” Despite the negativity she encounters, Vonn remains resolute: “Don’t worry, I’m not going to give up. I believe in myself, and I know with hard work I will get to where I dream of going.”
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen: The Norwegian-Born Brazilian Dynamo
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, a Norwegian-born skier now representing his mother’s native Brazil, has stormed back to the World Cup circuit.
Pinheiro Braathen showcased extraordinary talent this season with impressive World Cup performances. In December, he secured a second-place finish in the giant slalom at Beaver Creek. January brought even more success, with a third-place result in the slalom at Kitzbühel, followed by another second-place slalom finish in Adelboden. He recently added another podium in Kranjska Gora, finishing second in the giant slalom. In addition to these podium achievements, Braathen continued to show remarkable consistency, finishing fourth three times this season.
Pinheiro Braathen’s Philosophy
The Brazilian racer stated, “When it comes to how I spend my life, I have a very easy philosophy of wanting to pursue what makes me the happiest. And skiing is the activity that gives me the most amount of love and happiness.”
Pineheiro Braathen’s return has brought his trademark energy to the sport and put Brazil on the Alpine skiing map. His vibrant personality and unique style made him a favorite among fans and fellow skiers.
A Trilogy of Passion and Perseverance
The dedication and passion these athletes bring to the sport are undeniable. While Hirscher’s future remains uncertain, Vonn and Braathen remain fully focused on their season, sharing the goal of competing at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. Their comebacks prove their deep love and joy for skiing. As athletes, they are consummate competitors, motivated by the power of sport and the spirit of competition. Vonn and Pinheiro Braathen will compete in the World Cup finals later this month in Sun Valley, Idaho.
About the Author: Rick Bachand
