Lara Gut-Behrami has officially retired from competitive skiing, ending a career marked by numerous achievements and resilience. The 35-year-old Swiss skier announced her decision on Wednesday, confirming she will step away from the sport immediately. Her final race took place in October 2025, where she finished third in the slalom at Rettenbach Glacier in Sölden. Despite suffering a severe knee injury during a training crash in November 2025, Gut-Behrami chose not to return to competition, citing personal reasons and a desire to avoid recurring pain. Gut-Behrami had initially planned to retire after the 2025/2026 season, with the winter of 2025/26 serving as her farewell campaign. However, the injury forced her to reconsider her plans. She had hoped to compete in the home World Championships in 2027 in Crans-Montana, but this opportunity is now lost. In a video message, Gut-Behrami expressed gratitude for the opportunities she received throughout her career, emphasizing the joy of achieving dreams through skiing and the companionship of extraordinary individuals along the way. She stated that she felt it was the right time to make the decision voluntarily, even though she still had ambitions to push her limits. The Swiss skiing community mourns the loss of one of its most successful athletes. Gut-Behrami ranks second in the all-time list of Swiss ski racers with 48 World Cup victories, behind only Vreni Schneider, who holds the record with 55 wins. Gut-Behrami’s accomplishments include two Olympic medals, gold in 2018 and bronze in 2022, and multiple World Championship titles. She also won the overall World Cup twice and claimed seven small crystal globes, showcasing her versatility across different disciplines. Throughout her career, Gut-Behrami achieved remarkable milestones. She secured two gold medals at the World Championships, four silvers, and three bronzes. At the Olympics, she earned one gold and two bronzes. Her success extended beyond individual accolades, as she was named Swiss Sports Personality of the Year three times, in 2016, 2023, and 2024. With over 395 World Cup starts and 101 podium finishes, her legacy is firmly etched into the history books. Her retirement marks the end of an era for Swiss skiing. Gut-Behrami's decision comes after a long period of uncertainty following her injury. While she had considered returning to the sport, she ultimately decided against it, prioritizing her health and well-being. Her absence leaves a void in the Swiss team, which will need to find new talent to fill the gap left by one of its most decorated athletes. Looking ahead, the focus will shift to the future of Swiss skiing. With Gut-Behrami stepping back, the sport must adapt to new challenges and opportunities. Younger athletes will take on greater responsibilities, and the national team will look to build upon the foundation laid by legends like Gut-Behrami. As the sport continues to evolve, the memory of her contributions will remain a cornerstone of its history.
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