Swiss alpine skiing icon Lara Gut-Behrami announced her official retirement from professional competitive skiing on August 6, 2026, bringing an end to an extraordinary two-decade career. The 35-year-old speed specialist confirmed her decision through a statement released by Swiss-Ski, stating that after undergoing rehabilitation for a complex left knee injury sustained in late 2025, she chose to step away without forcing her body into recurring physical pain. Celebrated as one of the most decorated alpine skiers in modern sports history, Gut-Behrami retires as an Olympic gold medalist, two-time World Cup overall champion, and the fifth most successful female racer in World Cup history.
- Full Name: Lara Gut-Behrami
- Date of Birth: April 27, 1991 (Age 35)
- Birthplace: Sorengo, Ticino, Switzerland
- Height: 1.60 m (5 ft 3 in)
- Olympic Medals: 3 (1 Gold in 2022 Beijing Super-G, 2 Bronze)
- World Championship Medals: 9 (2 Gold in 2021 Cortina Super-G and Giant Slalom)
- World Cup Titles: 2 Overall Globes (2016, 2024), 5 Super-G Globes, 1 Giant Slalom Globe
- Total World Cup Wins: 48 Victories (24 Super-G, 13 Downhill, 10 Giant Slalom, 1 Combined)
- Total World Cup Podiums: 101 Podiums
- Spouse: Valon Behrami (Former Swiss National Team Footballer, Married July 2018)
Who Is Lara Gut-Behrami?
Lara Gut-Behrami is a world-renowned Swiss alpine ski racer who competed across all disciplines while specializing in the speed events of Super-G, Downhill, and Giant Slalom. Born on April 27, 1991, in Sorengo, Switzerland, she quickly developed into a child prodigy, making her FIS World Cup debut in December 2007 at just 16 years of age.
Over an illustrious 18-season professional career, she established herself as the golden face of Swiss winter sports, becoming the first female skier in history to secure at least ten World Cup victories across three distinct disciplines.
Thank you, Lara, for an extraordinary career and so many unforgettable memories. ❤️⛷️
Wishing you all the best for this new chapter. We’re sure we’ll still see you on the slopes. 😉#Olympics #AlpineSkiing pic.twitter.com/WUVaFWGRBM
— The Olympic Games™ (@Olympics) August 6, 2026
Switzerland Skiing Icon Announces Retirement
The Swiss skiing superstar officially announced her retirement on August 6, 2026, putting an end to months of speculation regarding a potential comeback for the upcoming season. Gut-Behrami suffered a severe ligament and meniscus tear in her left knee during a training session at Copper Mountain in November 2025, which kept her out of winter competitions.
Explaining her choice, the 35-year-old stated that while her love for skiing remains intact, she feels fortunate to retire without suffering from chronic bodily pain and prefers to conclude her journey on her own terms rather than risking long-term physical damage.
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