Lara Gut-Behrami, the Swiss skiing sensation who has thrilled fans around the world with her fearless performances on the slopes, has officially confirmed that she will be stepping away from skiing for a while. The reason? The 32-year-old superstar is two months pregnant, and she is prioritizing her growing family over her professional career for the foreseeable future. This news has sent waves of excitement and warm congratulations throughout the skiing community, even as her absence from the sport will undoubtedly leave a significant void.
Lara Gut-Behrami’s career has been nothing short of spectacular. The Swiss skiing phenom has been a dominant force in the world of alpine skiing for over a decade, earning Olympic medals, World Championship titles, and numerous podium finishes. Known for her incredible speed and technical prowess, she has been a leading figure in women’s skiing, particularly excelling in the Super-G and Downhill events.
Her illustrious career includes an Olympic gold medal in the Super-G at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, which was a crowning achievement for an athlete who has consistently proven herself at the highest levels of the sport. Additionally, Gut-Behrami has won multiple World Cup titles and World Championship medals, making her one of the most successful Swiss skiers in history.
Fans have admired her resilience and determination throughout her career, as she has battled through injuries and setbacks only to come back stronger each time. However, this time, Gut-Behrami is stepping back voluntarily, and the reason couldn’t be more joyful.
In an emotional and heartwarming announcement, Lara Gut-Behrami shared that she and her husband, Valon Behrami, the former Swiss national football team player, are expecting their first child together. After months of speculation about her future in skiing, Gut-Behrami confirmed in an interview that she is two months pregnant and will be putting her skiing activities on hold while she focuses on her pregnancy and the exciting journey of becoming a mother.
“It’s an incredible time in my life,” Gut-Behrami said. “Skiing has been everything to me for so long, but now, my family and my child are my number one priority. I’m so excited about this new chapter and can’t wait to meet our little one.”
For Gut-Behrami, the decision to take a break from skiing was not an easy one. She has always been intensely focused on her career, striving to be the best in the world. However, she explained that this moment in her life felt like the right time to step away from the sport and embrace her new role as a mother.
“I’ve always known that one day I would want to start a family, and now that moment has come. It’s a new kind of adventure, and I feel ready for it. Of course, I’ll miss skiing, but I’m looking forward to what’s ahead,” she said with a smile.
As soon as the news broke, the skiing community rallied around Gut-Behrami with messages of support and congratulations. Fellow athletes, fans, and industry figures alike took to social media to express their happiness for the Swiss star, celebrating this new chapter in her life.
Her long-time rivals and friends on the World Cup circuit were among the first to extend their congratulations. “Congratulations to Lara and Valon! Wishing you all the best on this wonderful journey into parenthood,” wrote Mikaela Shiffrin, the American skiing champion, on Instagram. Gut-Behrami’s Swiss teammates also expressed their joy, with many sharing fond memories and stories of skiing alongside her.
The news, while met with excitement, also brings with it the realization that the World Cup circuit will be without one of its brightest stars for some time. Gut-Behrami has been a perennial contender in every race she’s competed in, and her absence will undoubtedly be felt by fans and competitors alike. Still, the overarching sentiment is one of happiness for her as she embarks on this new journey.
While Lara Gut-Behrami has not given any specific timeline for her return to the slopes, she did express that she’s not ready to retire just yet. “Skiing is in my blood,” she said. “I’m not saying goodbye forever. I just need to take this time to focus on my family, and then, who knows? I still have the passion to compete, and if my body allows it, I’d love to return to racing after I’ve had my child.”
Many athletes, particularly in skiing, have managed to return to competition after starting a family. Gut-Behrami’s talent and dedication suggest that if she chooses to return to skiing, she’ll be able to do so at a high level. However, for now, her focus is firmly on her health, her baby, and her family.
Lara Gut-Behrami’s pregnancy marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her life. While her absence from skiing will be felt by fans around the world, there is no doubt that her journey into motherhood will bring its own unique and fulfilling challenges and joys. Her career on the slopes has already cemented her legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats, and now, as she prepares to welcome her first child, her legacy off the slopes begins as well.
As her story unfolds, the world will watch with admiration, knowing that, whether she’s racing down mountains or raising a family, Lara Gut-Behrami will continue to inspire.