Lara Gut-Behrami Announces Retirement: A Legendary Alpine Skiing Career Comes to an End
In a heartfelt video message broadcast by Swiss national broadcaster SRF, Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami has announced her retirement from professional skiing. The 35-year-old from Ticino, who has been a dominant force in alpine skiing for over a decade, cited a training crash last year that ruled her out of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics as a key factor in her decision. Despite the setback, Gut-Behrami expressed gratitude for her career, stating, “I have been fortunate and honored to experience a very long career, to be able to express my dreams and wishes through skiing, and to experience this journey alongside exceptional people.” She also noted that she is ending her career free of any lasting pain, a testament to her resilience and the care she has taken with her body.nnGut-Behrami’s career is nothing short of extraordinary. She has won three Olympic medals (one gold, two bronze), nine World Championship medals (two gold, four silver, three bronze), and two overall World Cup titles (2016 and 2024). Her dominance in the super-G discipline is particularly noteworthy, with six super-G crystal globes (2014, 2016, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025) and one giant slalom globe (2024). These numbers place her among the greatest skiers of her era and arguably in the history of the sport.nnHer retirement marks the end of an era for Swiss and Ticino sports. Known for her aggressive yet graceful skiing style, Gut-Behrami has inspired countless young athletes. Her ability to bounce back from injuries and setbacks has been a hallmark of her career, and she leaves the sport on her own terms. As she said, she is happy to have made this decision freely, a fitting conclusion to a career defined by determination and excellence.nnAs the skiing world bids farewell to a true champion, Gut-Behrami’s legacy will undoubtedly endure. Her achievements on the slopes have cemented her status as a legend, and her impact on the sport will be felt for generations. While her competitive days may be over, her influence and contributions to alpine skiing will continue to
Shimanta Das 
