Born: 1991 (Sorengo, Canton Ticino)
Lara Gut-Behrami (née Gut; Italian pronunciation: [ˈlaːra ˈɡut]; born 27 April 1991) is a Swiss World Cup alpine ski racer who competes in all disciplines and specializes in the speed events of downhill and Super-G. She won the gold medal in the Super-G event at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
Gut was born in Sorengo, Canton Ticino. Her father, Pauli Gut, is Swiss from Airolo, and her mother, Gabriella Almici, a masseuse, was born in Zone, Lombardy. From a young age, Gut showed immense talent and passion for skiing. She started participating in FIS races at the age of 15 in December 2006.
In 2007, at the Alpine Youth World Championship in Altenmarkt, Austria, Gut won the silver medal in downhill, showcasing her potential at such a young age. That same year, she became the Swiss national champion in Super-G, making her the second youngest champion in history. Gut’s impressive performance continued in the 2007 season, where she finished second in the downhill standings of the Europa Cup.
Gut made her World Cup debut in December 2007 in a giant slalom at Lienz, Austria. Despite being a newcomer, she showcased her skills and determination by securing a podium finish with a third place at St. Moritz. It was a memorable performance, although tainted by a fall and a slide on her back through the finish line. Despite this setback, Gut finished just 0.35 seconds behind the winner.
The following season, Gut’s talent and potential were acknowledged as she was moved up to the World Cup team for the 2009 season. In her first full season on the World Cup circuit, Gut made history by becoming the youngest skier to win a World Cup Super-G race at the age of 17.65 years. Her victory in St. Moritz, finishing 0.63 seconds ahead of the runner-up, Fabienne Suter, solidified her place among the elite skiers.
Gut’s success continued at the 2009 World Championships in Val-d’Isère, France, where she won silver medals in the downhill and super combined events. At just 17 years old, Gut’s achievements were remarkable and showcased her potential to become a dominant force in alpine skiing.
However, Gut’s journey was not without challenges. In September 2009, she suffered a severe setback when she fell during training at Saas-Fee, Switzerland, and dislocated her hip. The injury required immediate medical attention, and she was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Visp, where her hip was reset. The Swiss Ski Federation initially estimated her recovery time at a month, but it took longer for her to fully recover.
Due to the slow recovery from her hip injury, Gut was unable to compete in the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver. It was a disappointing setback for Gut, who had hoped to make her mark on the Olympic stage. Instead, she had to sit out the entire 2010 season, focusing on her rehabilitation and regaining her strength.
Gut returned to the slopes in the 2011 season and quickly reminded everyone of her talent. She earned four podium finishes, including a victory in the Super-G at Altenmarkt-Zauchensee in January. Her comeback was a testament to her resilience and determination.
Following the 2011 season, Gut made a significant decision to switch ski suppliers. She left Atomic and signed a three-year deal with Rossignol. The move proved to be beneficial, as Gut remained a strong contender in the World Cup circuit, consistently performing at the highest level.
Throughout her career, Gut has achieved numerous victories and podium finishes in both the downhill and Super-G disciplines. Her aggressive skiing style, technical skills, and fearless approach to racing have made her a formidable competitor. Gut’s success has not only solidified her place among the greatest ski racers in history but also inspired young athletes around the world.
In 2022, Gut reached the pinnacle of her career by winning the gold medal in the Super-G event at the Winter Olympics in Beijing. The victory was a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Gut’s performance, both on and off the slopes, exemplifies the spirit of women’s sports and serves as an inspiration for future generations.
Awards:
– Gold medal in Super-G at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.