Marcel Hirscher skis to Austria’s rescue with slalom gold at worlds

ARE, Sweden — A proud and storied Alpine skiing nation, Austria headed into the final event of the world championships in danger of finishing without a gold medal for the first time in a generation.

Trust Marcel Hirscher to deliver when it matters the most.

In perhaps his last race at the worlds, Hirscher produced one of the best runs of his decorated career to set up a big lead in the slalom, then coasted to victory and a record-tying seventh career gold medal at the event.

“Ten more (World Cup) races are waiting for me,” he said, when asked if this could be his last season in Alpine skiing. “We will see. Take a break and things will be way clearer than right now.