AJ Ginnis Joins VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports, Embracing a New Chapter with Marcel Hirscher’s Team
Former U.S. Ski Team member AJ Ginnis, Greece’s first alpine skiing World Cup medalist, has joined the VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports team—an inspiring next step in a career shaped by perseverance, bold decisions, and national pride.
The announcement, shared by VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports, marks more than a new equipment deal. It unites Ginnis’ remarkable story with Marcel Hirscher’s rising brand.
Hirscher said, “AJ enriches the World Cup scene not only with his talent and personality, but brings an entire country into the skiing world. I’m incredibly happy to have him with us.”
A Match of Spirit and Story
The bond between Ginnis and VAN DEER was forged through shared moments of triumph. At the 2023 World Championships in Courchevel/Meribel, Henrik Kristoffersen claimed VAN DEER’s first gold in slalom. Ginnis, skiing for Greece, took silver—the first alpine World Championship medal in his nation’s history.
The team described the race as one with “two winners.” Now, they’re united under the same banner.
From Athens to the Alps
In an interview with the team, Ginnis reflected on his unusual path—from childhood weekends at Mt. Parnassos to moving to Austria at age 12 and struggling to adjust. “I started out really bad,” he said, “but I learned fast, made friends, and stuck with it.”
His journey continued with a sports scholarship in the U.S., a stint on the U.S. Ski Team, and eventually a return to Greece when injuries and uncertainty cut short his American career.
Breaking Through for Greece
In February 2023, Ginnis made history in Chamonix with a second-place finish after charging from 23rd in the first run. Two weeks later, he won silver in Courchevel behind Kristoffersen.
“That moment of triumph after all those challenges changed me,” Ginnis said. “It showed what was possible.”
A Comeback with New Gear
After undergoing his third knee surgery, Ginnis is preparing for a fresh start. He believes his move to VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports is more than just a ski switch—it’s a return to the level he knows he can reach.
“The way they approach ski racing here, the level of professionalism—it’s on another level,” he said. “Being part of what Marcel is building, with all the minds behind his success—it’s a big deal.”
This article includes quotes and background information provided by VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports.
About the Author: SR Staff Report
