Swiss Ski Racer Niels Hintermann Makes Triumphant Return to World Cup Circuit After Cancer Battle
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BEAVER CREEK, Colo. - In a heartwarming comeback story, Swiss ski racer Niels Hintermann is set to make his 101st World Cup start in Thursday's downhill, marking his first appearance since being declared cancer-free. The 30-year-old was diagnosed with lymph node cancer in October 2024 and underwent two cycles of chemotherapy before resuming training in August. Hintermann's priority for now is regaining his rhythm and building consistency on the slopes, rather than focusing on wins or the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. The athlete's journey back to the World Cup circuit has been a long and arduous one, with days where he struggled to muster the strength to get out of bed. In an interview with the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, Hintermann shared his initial shock upon receiving the cancer diagnosis, but also expressed relief that it was treatable and his chances of recovery were high. He has since announced on social media that he is cancer-free and will continue to check in with his oncologist every three months for the next year. The skiing community has rallied around Hintermann, with several racers, including teammate Marco Odermatt and Norwegian ski racer Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, welcoming him back with open arms. Hintermann's plan for the weekend is to compete in the downhill and skip the super-G, with moderate expectations and a focus on building his confidence. While the Milan Cortina Olympics are not currently on Hintermann's agenda, he acknowledges that it would be a dream come true to compete in the event. For now, he is content to be back on the World Cup circuit, surrounded by his fellow racers and enjoying the camaraderie that comes with it.
