Lara Gut-Behrami extends her career

Lara Gut-Behrami surprises with a possible turnaround in her career planning.

02 October 2024

From: sportsnews

In the spring of this year, the Swiss athlete announced that she would be hanging up her skis after the coming season. Now she is considering an extension until the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.

"I had so much fun training in the summer that I asked myself: Why not continue for a second year?" explained the 33-year-old during an online press conference. A key factor in this renewed motivation is her new fitness coach Flavio di Giorgio.

Lara Gut-Behrami looks back on an incredibly successful career. © ANSA / GIAN EHRENZELLER

Thanks to this collaboration, the Swiss feels physically and mentally strong enough to plan beyond the end of the season. "I've learned so many new things that it would almost be a shame to only compete for one more season," she said, leaving it open whether she will stay in the World Cup for a longer period.

The dream of the Olympics

Just a few months ago, Gut-Behrami had dismissed a start at the 2026 Olympic Games as "unrealistic". She had felt too much stress and pressure in the past to prepare for such a big event again. But after her overall World Cup victory last season and the positive development in summer training, she seems to have changed her mind.

The next winter can come for Lara Gut-Behrami. © APA/NTB / GEIR OLSEN

After years of strain, the Ticino native is occasionally worried about her left knee in particular. However, a minor injury in the training camp in Chile did not cause her any major problems, she reassured: "The MRI looks good, there is no reason to worry."

No concrete goals for the season

As far as the upcoming World Cup season is concerned, Gut-Behrami remains cautious. She did not formulate any concrete goals. "I just want to ski as fast as possible whenever I'm at the start," she explained simply. She is aware that many factors have to be right for further success in the overall World Cup.