Swiss alpine skiing sensation Lara Gut-Behrami, a celebrated Olympic and two-time world champion, has officially announced her departure from professional competition. This decision follows a serious knee injury that abruptly halted her career, preventing her from returning to the slopes. Gut-Behrami, aged 35, conveyed her sentiments during an interview, reflecting on a remarkable career characterized by the pursuit of dreams through her sport and the invaluable experiences shared with extraordinary individuals.
Gut-Behrami's initial intention was to conclude her illustrious career with a final season during the 2025-2026 Olympic cycle, aiming for the Milan/Cortina Games. However, a training incident in November 2025 resulted in devastating injuries, including ruptured cruciate and medial collateral ligaments, alongside a torn meniscus. These injuries effectively sidelined her for the remainder of that season, casting doubt on her future participation. While she initially left open the possibility of competing in the 2026-2027 season, she ultimately chose a different path.
In her announcement, Gut-Behrami emphasized the profound toll a two-decade-long career in elite sports can take, marked by numerous crashes and injuries. She expressed a firm resolve to avoid persistent pain, recognizing that the opportune moment had arrived to step away. This decision, she explained, was rooted in a desire to relinquish the relentless pressure of continually pushing and surpassing her physical limits.
Lara Gut-Behrami's journey in alpine skiing commenced with her World Cup debut in 2007. Over the years, she amassed an impressive record of 48 victories in various disciplines. Her dominance was particularly evident in the overall World Cup, which she clinched twice, in 2016 and 2024. Additionally, she secured seven discipline titles, with six in super-G and one in giant slalom, showcasing her versatility and prowess across different events. Her crowning achievements include double gold medals at the 2021 World Championships in super-G and giant slalom, followed by an Olympic super-G gold medal a year later. Throughout her career, she garnered a total of 12 medals from World Championship and Olympic competitions.
After a distinguished career spanning two decades, decorated with numerous accolades including Olympic and World Championship titles, Lara Gut-Behrami has decided to retire from alpine skiing. A significant knee injury sustained in late 2025 proved to be the catalyst for her decision, as she prioritized her long-term well-being and opted against a strenuous return to competitive sport. Her legacy is cemented by 48 World Cup victories and multiple crystal globes, reflecting a journey of dedication and remarkable athletic achievement.
