Lara Gut-Behrami has been a standout name in alpine skiing for over a decade. The Swiss skier, born in 1991, made her World Cup debut at the age of just 16 and quickly established herself as one of the sport’s most versatile and dominant athletes. With her remarkable skill set across multiple disciplines—including downhill, super-G, giant slalom, and combined—Gut-Behrami has accumulated an impressive collection of titles, World Cup victories, and Olympic medals. As the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics approach, fans and experts alike have speculated about the potential reasons for Gut-Behrami’s retirement before the event.
One of the primary reasons Gut-Behrami may choose to retire before Milan-Cortina 2026 is her age. At 35, she would be among the oldest competitors in a sport that demands both peak physical condition and exceptional agility. Alpine skiing is grueling on the body, and the toll of years of high-speed racing on ice and snow can take a significant toll on even the fittest athletes. Injuries are common, and Gut-Behrami has had her fair share of them throughout her career. Her resilience and ability to come back from setbacks have been a hallmark of her journey, but as she ages, the risk of injury increases, and recovery times become longer. The decision to prioritize long-term health over continuing a professional career could be a significant factor in her choice to retire before 2026.
Another key consideration for Gut-Behrami could be her satisfaction with her career accomplishments. Over the years, she has reached the pinnacle of her sport. She has claimed multiple World Championship titles, Olympic medals, and World Cup victories. In 2021, she won the Super-G title at the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, and in 2022, she took home a bronze medal at the Winter Olympics in Beijing. For an athlete of Gut-Behrami’s caliber, retiring while still at the top of her game could be a way to preserve her legacy and step away on her own terms.
Additionally, Gut-Behrami might choose to focus on personal life and other endeavors beyond competitive skiing. She married professional footballer Valon Behrami in 2018, and like many athletes, she may be looking to shift her focus to family and personal interests as she moves into the next phase of her life.
Ultimately, while Gut-Behrami has not officially announced her retirement as of now, any decision to retire before Milan-Cortina 2026 would likely be influenced by a combination of factors, including age, injury concerns, satisfaction with her career achievements, and personal priorities. Whether or not she competes in one final Olympic Games, her legacy as one of the greatest alpine ski racers of her generation is already secure.