Lara Colturi has had a phenomenal start to the season. © ANSA / ANNA SZILAGYI

Already Shiffrin hunter number one at the age of 19

Lara Colturi has already demonstrated her potential early in this World Cup winter. Currently, only Mikaela Shiffrin is stronger than the 19-year-old in slalom – but the youngster doesn't want to put herself under pressure because of that.

26 December 2025

From: never

No antidote has yet been found this season. The slalom specialists have already been challenged four times this winter, and each time Mikaela Shiffrin has stood atop the podium. Full points, red bib – the question of who's number one answers itself. Behind her, the battle for the podium is considerably more exciting. Lara Colturi is currently in the lead.

At just 19 years old, the Italian skier, competing for Albania, established herself among the top ranks of the World Cup, reaching the podium in Levi (2nd), Gurgl (2nd), and Copper Mountain (3rd). While she may be 180 points behind leader Shiffrin in the discipline standings, she currently holds second place with 220 points, ahead of Camille Rast (3rd/182), Paula Moltzan (4th/172), and Wendy Holdener (5th/168) with remarkable ease.

Colturi is keeping a low profile

Despite her results, Colturi isn't getting carried away. "I'm very happy with my performance," she explained in an interview with the "Kronen Zeitung." "The results were truly surprising, even under less than ideal conditions. I wouldn't have thought I could achieve three consecutive podium finishes in the first three slalom races."

Lara Colturi, Mikaela Shiffrin and Camille Rast on the podium in Gurgl. © APA / EXPA/JOHANN GRODER

A World Cup victory has so far eluded the up-and-coming youngster. Can she challenge Shiffrin this season? "Shiffrin is a fantastic athlete, there's no doubt about that. I'm focused on following my own path, giving my best, and taking the best impressions from training into the competition," she emphasized. "I'm only in my fourth season; I still have time ahead of me and don't want to put myself under pressure to achieve results." Nevertheless, a subtle challenge was hidden in her statements. "In slalom, as in all other disciplines, I think I can still improve," Colturi said.

Colturi: The Olympic Games are the ultimate goal

The next competition is already on the schedule for the female skiers on Saturday. They will first compete in a giant slalom at Semmering (10:00/13:00), followed by the slalom the next day (14:15/17:45). Colturi aims to be in contention again – but her main goal this season is, of course, the Olympic Games, which she will be competing in for the first time.

Lara Colturi is shaking up the World Cup. © APA / EZRA SHAW

“I want to fully enjoy this completely new experience, which only happens every four years and will be my first time,” said the Italian. “So I still have everything to experience and learn, but at the moment I don’t want to think about it too much. My goals are always the same: to continue having fun, to feel comfortable with my family and my team, and to give my best.”