It was hardly a surprise that Marcel Hirscher was named “Skieur d'Or” Thursday evening at ceremonies in Soelden, Austria. Hirscher, the World Cup overall and GS champion of the 2012 season was the consensus selection for the Serge Lang Trophy as the top skier of 2012 in voting by the AIJS, an international association of sports journalists.

The award, approaching its 50th birthday, went to Hirscher easily after a nine victory season and the two World Cup titles.

“This award is presented by experts,” Hirscher said, “I am very proud.”

The first winner of the award, 1963 winner Egon Zimmermann, was on hand for the presentation.