by ComprexX » Sat Oct 12, 2019 5:23 pm
Not sure Hirscher did anything "new", but he is definitely the most complete skier of his generation and one of the most complete ever- incredible technique, athleticism, competitiveness and fitness. It's rare to see such a combination of all 4 areas. He executed the fundamentals with more mastery and more consistency from gate to gate, race to race, year in and year out than any of his competitors. He put it all together better than almost anyone else ever, and for longer.
Not to be argumentative and for certain, Hirscher is a fantastic skier, one of the greatest ever. But, Stenmark had more wins than Hirscher and was every bit as much a technician as Marcel. There are a few others in my book with similarly stellar technique, for one-Marc Girardelli. His technique was impeccable in all 5 disciplines, and he won in all of them- something neither Hirscher nor Stenmark accomplished. Agree with you about Pinterault- he seems primed to make advantage of the opportunities created by Hirscher's retirement. Will be interesting to see who can fill the void left, though I will miss watching Marcel and Felix's skiing.