Hirscher's goodbye and the thought of the champion: "I decided only two weeks ago, I'll explain my reasons to you"

Austria and the world of skiing have experienced with trepidation the press conference in which the ruler of the ski announced the withdrawal.

Wednesday 4 September 2019 5 minutes reading time

Marcel Hirscher seemed altogether serene, aware and sure of a considered choice, albeit taken "only two weeks ago, certainly two turbulent weeks. Now, however, it's all a bit simpler. The winner of the last eight World Cups spoke in front of the media (almost 200 ...) arrived from all over the world, at the convention center in Gusswerk, in the heart of Salzburg. Everyone was there, from Federal President Schroecksnadel to Red Bull's patron Dietrich Mateschitz, passing through many former champions and with Marco Buechel grand master of ceremonies and the first to ask Marcel the fateful question about retirement, given however for sure in the past days. "I withdraw, knowing that it is not like changing a job, but it is a whole life that is interrupted from one day to the next - the words of the champion of Annaberg - I am very proud of what I did, I together with all the people who have helped me over the years, and I would do everything without regret â€. Behind this decision there are "various reasons, from the family to the difficulties related to the physical, because I realized that the summer was too short to get me back in shape for the new season. It's like an old cell phone that doesn't recharge so fast. My philosophy has always been to give 100% or nothing, but I also think it's nice to leave having won the World Cup and the medals at the World Cup again. " The physical and mental stress was enormous, to always chase after the goal of the big crystal ball: "Yes, it makes a big difference to prepare yourself for a single race or to aim for the general. And to succeed, it takes a long time to devote to the study of materials and a thousand aspects ". Marcel feels "lucky to never have had serious injuries and to be able to return home with two healthy knees, so I will be able to play soccer with my son and go to the mountains without having to take care of any problems", while on future projects, the 30-year-old from Salzburg does not he is exposed. "I can't know exactly what I will cover, but I would like to give something back to many people in one way or another. Now I think about enjoying a little time at home with my little and my wife Laura, a life companion who has always supported me. " Many thanks, the most heartfelt to father Ferdinand who put him on skis and followed him throughout his adventure around the world. "My first and last coach, without him I couldn't have done anything." The most exciting victory? Marcel has no doubts: "World gold at home, in Schladming 2013".

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