Lara Gut-Behrami To Retire After Milano Cortina 2026, Plans Move To England !

Swiss alpine skiing sensation and two-time overall World Cup champion, Lara Gut-Behrami, has officially announced her intention to retire from competitive skiing after the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. The 34-year-old made the revelation at a sponsor's event in Zurich, signaling the end of a remarkable career that has spanned nearly two decades.

Gut-Behrami, who made her World Cup debut at just 16 years old in 2007, has been a dominant force in the sport, known for her aggressive yet precise style. Her impressive resumé includes an Olympic super-G gold medal and giant slalom bronze at Beijing 2022, adding to the downhill bronze she secured at Sochi 2014. She also boasts two overall World Cup titles, clinched in the 2015-16 and 2023-24 seasons, and a staggering 48 World Cup victories, placing her fifth on the all-time women's list. Her performances at the 2021 World Championships in Cortina d'Ampezzo, where she swept gold in super-G and giant slalom and took bronze in downhill, further cemented her legacy.

The Milano Cortina 2026 Games, where women's skiing events will be held in Cortina, are set to be Gut-Behrami's fourth Olympic appearance and her final major competition.

Looking ahead, Gut-Behrami shared her plans for life beyond the slopes. She intends to move to England next year to join her husband, former Switzerland international footballer Valon Behrami, who is taking on a role as sporting director at English Championship club Watford FC.

"I certainly won't be a cleaning lady," Gut-Behrami quipped at the event, hinting at a desire to potentially start a family as she transitions into this new chapter. She is also exploring other ventures, having reportedly finalized an investor deal with a Swiss regeneration drink company, KA-EX, where she will serve as a brand ambassador and strategic partner.

As the skiing world prepares to bid farewell to one of its most respected veterans, Lara Gut-Behrami's departure marks the close of an illustrious career filled with triumphs and unwavering dedication. Her legacy, defined by consistent excellence and inspiring performances, will undoubtedly continue to influence future generations in alpine skiing.