Marcel Hirscher, the legendary Austrian alpine ski racer, is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes the sport has ever seen. With an unprecedented eight consecutive overall World Cup titles from 2012 to 2019, Hirscher dominated the slopes with precision, speed, and mental toughness. While his accolades are well-known, his respect for his competitors remains equally strong, as Hirscher recently opened up about his rivals, describing each of them in just one word.
Hirscher’s career was marked by intense competition with some of the best skiers in the world, and he has always been known to acknowledge the strength and skills of his rivals. In a recent interview, Hirscher was asked to summarize some of the top competitors he faced during his storied career. Despite the brevity of his responses, each word carried significant meaning, highlighting the qualities he admired in his opponents.
For example, Hirscher described Henrik Kristoffersen, the Norwegian skier known for his technical prowess, as “relentless.” Kristoffersen was often seen as Hirscher’s fiercest rival in the slalom and giant slalom disciplines, always pushing the Austrian to his limits. Their battles on the World Cup circuit were legendary, and Hirscher’s choice of word reflects the never-give-up attitude that Kristoffersen brought to every race.
When asked about Alexis Pinturault, the French skier who challenged him across multiple disciplines, Hirscher chose the word “versatile.” Pinturault’s ability to compete at a high level in slalom, giant slalom, super-G, and combined events made him one of the most well-rounded skiers on the circuit, and Hirscher clearly respected that aspect of his rival’s game.
Regarding Aksel Lund Svindal, the Norwegian downhill and super-G specialist, Hirscher simply said, “fearless.” Known for his daring style in the speed events, Svindal embodied the courage required to race at high speeds, often on the most dangerous courses in the world. Hirscher’s word for Svindal captures the essence of a skier who consistently pushed the boundaries of the sport.
These one-word descriptions offer a glimpse into how Hirscher viewed his competition: with respect, admiration, and an understanding of what made each of his rivals unique. Even after his retirement from competitive skiing, Hirscher’s legacy lives on, not just in his record-breaking accomplishments but in the way he elevated the sport alongside his rivals.