It has happened. But it wasn’t Hirscher and he didn’t end up last. Mattias Hargin is a (former) Swedish WC SL racer (retired after this season) that got a wild card to FWT Verbier Xtreme a few seasons ago. He was a solid top ten WC SL skier that podiumed now and then, but not near Hirschers calibre. He came in eight in the Verbier Xtreme after having to ski a compromised line compared to his original plan. Don’t know if you’re familiar with the terrain, but it’s pretty extreme.
It's not like Mattias never competed in freeride before that though, he competes in the Scandinavian champs in Riksgransen most years (I competed there with him). I don't think Mikaela ever skis powder, in Portillo on a pow day, when every other racer was goofing off and having fun (Aksel and Jansrud were on snowboards), she was still drilling on the groomers. Not to say she wouldn't be amazing if she practised freeride, but she doesn't have time for it.
Back on topic, I agree with Josh that the syncro thing is a bit weird, doesn't seem all that relevant to what most guests want to ski. Maybe one year they can run everyone down a freeride face and we'll see how they all go.
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