A Rising Star: Lara Colturi Reflects on Her First World Cup Podium
Lara Colturi, a name to remember in the ski racing world, has taken the Alpine circuit by storm. Turning 18 just days ago on November 15, Colturi already has three seasons of FIS World Cup racing under her belt. Despite suffering an injury during her rookie season, she has bounced back stronger than ever. This season, she’s already making headlines, achieving her best start to a season with a 16th-place finish in the Sölden Giant Slalom and, most notably, earning her first World Cup podium with a stunning second place in last weekend’s slalom in Gürgl, Austria.
In an exclusive interview with Ski Racing Media, Colturi shared her thoughts on this remarkable milestone, her journey, and what it means for her and the Albanian ski team.
Breaking Through: Fourth After the First Run
Reflecting on her incredible performance, Colturi described the moment she crossed the finish line after her first run in Gürgl: “I was astonished when I saw that I was fourth,” she said. “I felt good in training, and after such a solid first run, I told myself, ‘Okay, the goal is to do just as well in the second run.’”
Despite being up against legends like Mikaela Shiffrin, Colturi held her composure. Her preparation leading up to the race gave her confidence, particularly in her sessions on the Rettenbach glacier in Sölden. “Yes, already in training, especially also in Levi, before the race, I already felt good,” she explained. “But, yeah, the second round, I didn’t finish. When I was back here in Austria, I did really good trainings in Sölden on the Rettenbach, and I felt really good. I’ve also done some training with Kristoffersen and other guys from Red Bull, and I felt pretty good.”
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A Strong Foundation: Confidence in Training
Colturi’s preparation for Gürgl wasn’t an accident—it was built on consistency and attention to detail. Training alongside an elite athlete like Henrik Kristoffersen and benefiting from her team’s support helped develop her confidence. “I trust my skiing because I’ve been putting in the work,” she said.
This confidence was especially important after setbacks in her rookie season. Sustaining an injury during warmups at the 2023 Méribel World Championships was a tough blow. “That time was really hard for me,” Colturi said. “But I worked hard to come back stronger.”
She also acknowledged the role her equipment played in her success. Skiing on Blizzard skis, Tecnica boots, and Marker bindings—the same platform as Nordica—has given her confidence in her setup. “My equipment feels really good, and I trust it to perform at the highest level,” she shared.
Between Runs: Staying Focused and Calm
For many young athletes, the time between runs can be a pressure cooker of nerves. For Colturi, it was different this time. “It wasn’t like other races because I’d never been fourth after the first run,” she said. “I felt more confident in myself and just focused on what I could control.”
Colturi leaned on breathing exercises and mental techniques she has practiced since she was 10. “I work with a performance center that helps me stay composed during races,” she explained. “It really helps, but I just try to feel confident and free between runs.”
She gave herself simple advice: “Have fun, ski like you know you can, and don’t overthink it.”
Embracing the Challenge: Pushing for the Podium
During the second run, Colturi felt particularly strong on the steeper sections, a terrain she thrives on. “I love the steeper parts of courses,” she said. “After the steep part, I told myself to push 100%, and that’s what I did.”
Crossing the finish line, she initially thought she was fourth. But the joy was overwhelming when the realization hit that she was leading. “When everyone started cheering, I realized I wasn’t fourth but first at that point,” she said. “I thought, ‘Oh, my God, I made it!’”
A Dream Realized: Celebrating Second Place
Earning her first World Cup podium was a surreal experience for Colturi. “It felt like a dream,” she admitted. “Since I was little, watching World Cup races on TV, I always imagined myself there. Now, that dream has come true.”
Sharing the podium with Mikaela Shiffrin made the achievement even sweeter. “It was really special to be up there with such incredible athletes,” she added. “Standing next to Mikaela and Camille (Rast) felt unreal. I just told myself to enjoy every second.”
A Quiet Celebration for Albania’s Historic Podium
As the first Albanian skier to achieve a World Cup podium, Colturi’s success is a milestone for her team and the country she represents. Despite the historic moment, the celebrations were understated. “I was so tired after all the interviews and media attention,” she said. “We had a quick toast with the team and a simple dinner. The next day, it was back to training.”
She acknowledged that this podium was her victory and a collective achievement. “My team has been so supportive of me. This podium means so much to all of us.”
Looking Ahead: The Killington Challenge
The excitement doesn’t stop here for Colturi. She’s gearing up for her next races, a giant slalom and a slalom in Killington, Vermont, on November 30 and December 1. “I’m really looking forward to Killington,” she said. “The energy there is always incredible, and I hope to keep building on what I’ve done so far this season.”
With her strong start and newfound confidence, Colturi is eager to prove that Gürgl was just the beginning of a remarkable season. “I know I can do more,” she said. “I’m ready to take on the next challenges.”
A Rising Star with Big Dreams
Lara Colturi’s journey is just beginning. Her historic podium in Gürgl is a testament to her talent, resilience and dedication. Italian by birth but skiing for Albania, she is carving out a unique path in the sport and inspiring a new generation of athletes. With her confidence, cutting-edge equipment, and relentless work ethic, there’s no doubt this rising star will shine even brighter in the seasons to come.
Next Stop: Killington—and the world is watching.
About the Author: Peter Lange
