The World Alpine Skiing Championships in Saalbach, Austria, marked a poignant milestone in the illustrious career of Lara Gut-Behrami. The Swiss skiing sensation, a two-time Olympic and world champion, has competed in her ninth and final World Championships, bringing down the curtain on an extraordinary chapter in her life.
At 33 years old, Gut-Behrami has left an indelible mark on the world of alpine skiing. Her remarkable journey, which began at the tender age of 16, has been punctuated by numerous triumphs, setbacks, and comebacks. The Swiss Ski Federation has confirmed that Gut-Behrami will not compete in another World Championships, although she may still race next season and potentially aim for a fourth Olympic appearance in 2026.
Gut-Behrami’s storied career has been defined by her unwavering resilience and determination. Her first major breakthrough came at the 2009 World Championships, where she secured two silver medals at just 17 years old. This early success marked her out as a potential challenger to the dominance of Lindsey Vonn, although a training crash in 2009 forced her to miss the Vancouver Olympics.
Undeterred, Gut-Behrami continued to push herself, eventually re-emerging as a force to be reckoned with in the 2013-14 season. Her seven World Cup victories that year were a testament to her hard work and dedication, and she went on to claim her first Olympic medal, a downhill bronze, at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
The years that followed were marked by both triumph and adversity. Gut-Behrami won the World Cup overall title in 2016, only to suffer a season-ending ACL tear at the 2017 World Championships. However, she once again demonstrated her capacity for resilience, returning to the top of the podium with a string of World Cup victories in 2021.
Gut-Behrami’s crowning achievement came at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where she won gold in the super-G by a mere 22 hundredths of a second. This victory marked the culmination of a lifetime’s work, and Gut-Behrami’s emotional response was a testament to the sacrifices she had made in pursuit of her dreams.
As Gut-Behrami brings her World Championships career to a close, she leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations of skiers to come. Her record-breaking 34 World Championships starts are a testament to her enduring passion for the sport, and her numerous accolades serve as a reminder of her status as one of the all-time greats.
Although Gut-Behrami may still have one final chapter to write in her skiing career, her decision to step away from World Championships competition marks a poignant moment in the history of alpine skiing. As the sport bids farewell to one of its most beloved and respected stars, it also celebrates the remarkable legacy of Lara Gut-Behrami, a true legend of the slopes.
