Akira Sasaki attempts the comeback of the year

Eight years after his last World Cup race, the 40-year-old Japanese slalom racer is back on track and aims for the 2026 Olympics.

Akira Sasaki (JPN) is one of the most successful Japanese ski racers in recent years. The slalom and giant slalom specialist competed in 143 World Cup races. He made it onto the podium three times and, in 2014, ended his active career due to physical problems. 

After his sporting retirement, he wants to know if he can do it again. A FIS slalom took place on the Cerro Catedral in Argentina last week. Akira Sasaki starts with bib number 85 – and wins! “Yes, it’s official. I’m back as a ski racer,” tells the Japanese to Skinews. “For the last eight years, I have been travelling the world freeriding, and then I was head coach of the Japanese team and commentator for the national TV. But I missed racing a lot all the time, so I’m thrilled to be back in the competition.”

The goal is the 2026 Olympics

Ski enthusiasts will remember Sasaki’s podium finish in the 2003 Lauberhorn Slalom: the Japanese finished second with starting number 65. It was just sensational. 

With this comeback, the Japanese ski star is pursuing one goal: He wants to take part in the Olympic Games for the fifth time. After 2002 in Salt Lake City, 2006 in Turin, 2010 in Vancouver and 2014 in Sochi. The following games will take place in Milan – Cortina in 2026. 

The Japanese can’t wait to get back on the slopes: “I’m celebrating the fact that I will be able to start my second career after an eight-year break. I’m happy to be back in the white circus.”