BREAKING: After a two-year retirement, 2022 Olympian Hailey Swirbul is making a stunning return to the World Cup circuit just in time for the upcoming Olympic season. Swirbul, known for her impressive junior career, is eager to explore her limits once again in the sport she loves.
Swirbul’s comeback comes as she transitions from coaching juniors at Alaska Pacific University to competing at the highest level. “It’s the greatest job I can imagine,” she stated, reflecting on her renewed passion for ski racing. The news is sending ripples through the cross-country skiing community, particularly as the World Cup season approaches.
Last seen in competition on March 23, 2023, when she finished 26th at a 20K mass start in Lahti, Finland, Swirbul initially felt content stepping away from the sport. During her hiatus, she sold most of her skiing gear and took on roles in engineering and ski patrol. However, a summer training session with elite athletes rekindled her competitive spirit.
“I’ve been thinking about what I want to do with my life,” she explained, citing Oliver Burkeman’s book, “Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals,” as a catalyst for her decision. Swirbul realized that her earlier choice to leave the sport didn’t have to be permanent.
As she gears up for the season, Swirbul is preparing for her first competitive races at Kincaid Park in Anchorage next weekend. She aims to secure a spot in the prestigious Tour de Ski if she performs well in the upcoming FIS races. “I’m starting from zero,” she admitted, but her history of success gives her a unique edge.
U.S. Ski Team program director Chris Grover praised Swirbul’s talent, stating, “She’s one of the most talented athletes in U.S. cross-country skiing.” He believes her comeback could be timely, especially as the team gears up for the 2024 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.
Swirbul has a track record of excellence, including being the only athlete to secure two individual world junior medals, a distinction that sets her apart from her contemporaries. “I think she was stepping back too early,” Grover noted, emphasizing that her return could bolster the U.S. women’s team.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Swirbul is focused on maintaining a healthy balance between competition and her personal life. She aims to embrace an “experimental” mindset, exploring her potential without the pressure of perfection. “I want to stay true to myself,” she expressed, highlighting her commitment to personal growth alongside competitive aspirations.
The ski community is buzzing with excitement over Swirbul’s return. With her unique skills in both sprint and distance events, she is poised to make a significant impact this season.
As the first FIS races approach, fans and fellow athletes alike are eager to see how Swirbul will perform. Will she reclaim her spot among the elite? The countdown to her first race starts now, with all eyes on Anchorage next weekend.
This is a developing story as more details emerge about Swirbul’s journey back to the World Cup. Stay tuned for updates as she prepares for a season filled with potential and promise.
