Lara Gut-Behrami Considers Retirement Before 2026 Olympics

Lara Gut-Behrami, a three-time Olympic medalist, reportedly thinks she will retire before the 2026 Winter Games.

Gut-Behrami, 31, has been racing on the World Cup since age 16 and feels her age, citing increased physical therapy and back problems.

She made her first big splash at 17 with a pair of world silver medals in 2009, making her a top challenger to **Lindsey Vonn**.

Gut-Behrami won six World Cup races between January 10 and February 27, 2021, plus world titles in the super-G and giant slalom in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

She won the Olympic super-G this past February by 22 hundredths of a second over **Mirjam Puchner**, but now doubts her ability to compete in the 2026 Olympics.

Gut-Behrami has re-emerged from injuries before, including a season-ending ACL tear in 2017, but her current concerns may signal the end of her competitive career.

Among active Alpine skiers, Gut-Behrami ranks second behind **Mikaela Shiffrin** in world championships medals and World Cup wins.

Her potential retirement would be a significant loss for the sport, given her impressive record and consistent performance over the years.

Gut-Behrami's comments were reported by Swiss newspaper **Blick**, which highlighted her increasing physical challenges and doubts about competing in the 2026 Winter Games.

The 2026 Olympics are scheduled to take place in Italy, where Gut-Behrami won her world titles in 2021, but it remains to be seen if she will participate.

Gut-Behrami's career has been marked by notable achievements, including her first Olympic medal, downhill bronze, in the 2013-14 season.

She followed that with a World Cup overall title in 2016, solidifying her position as a top Alpine skier.

Gut-Behrami's story serves as a reminder of the physical demands and uncertainties of competitive sports, even for accomplished athletes like herself.