A Rising Star: Lara Colturi Displays on Her First World Cup Podium
Lara Colturi, a reputation to recollect within the ski racing world, has taken the Alpine circuit by storm. Turning 18 simply days in the past on November 15, Colturi already has three seasons of FIS World Cup racing underneath her belt. Regardless of struggling an damage throughout her rookie season, she has bounced again stronger than ever. This season, she’s already making headlines, reaching her greatest begin to a season with a Sixteenth-place end within the Sölden Big Slalom and, most notably, incomes her first World Cup podium with a shocking second place in final weekend’s slalom in Gürgl, Austria.
In an unique interview with Ski Racing Media, Colturi shared her ideas on this outstanding milestone, her journey, and what it means for her and the Albanian ski crew.
Breaking By: Fourth After the First Run
Reflecting on her unimaginable efficiency, Colturi described the second she crossed the end line after her first run in Gürgl: “I used to be astonished after I noticed that I used to be fourth,” she mentioned. “I felt good in coaching, and after such a strong first run, I advised myself, ‘Okay, the purpose is to do exactly as effectively within the second run.’”
Regardless of being up towards legends like Mikaela Shiffrin, Colturi held her composure. Her preparation main as much as the race gave her confidence, significantly in her classes on the Rettenbach glacier in Sölden. “Sure, already in coaching, particularly additionally in Levi, earlier than the race, I already felt good,” she defined. “However, yeah, the second spherical, I didn’t end. Once I was again right here in Austria, I did actually good trainings in Sölden on the Rettenbach, and I felt actually good. I’ve additionally executed some coaching with Kristoffersen and different guys from Pink Bull, and I felt fairly good.”
Click on photographs to enlarge
A Robust Basis: Confidence in Coaching
Colturi’s preparation for Gürgl wasn’t an accident—it was constructed on consistency and a focus to element. Coaching alongside an elite athlete like Henrik Kristoffersen and benefiting from her crew’s assist helped develop her confidence. “I belief my snowboarding as a result of I’ve been placing within the work,” she mentioned.
This confidence was particularly necessary after setbacks in her rookie season. Sustaining an damage throughout warmups on the 2023 Méribel World Championships was a tricky blow. “That point was actually laborious for me,” Colturi mentioned. “However I labored laborious to come back again stronger.”
She additionally acknowledged the position her gear performed in her success. Snowboarding on Blizzard skis, Tecnica boots, and Marker bindings—the identical platform as Nordica—has given her confidence in her setup. “My gear feels actually good, and I belief it to carry out on the highest degree,” she shared.
Between Runs: Staying Centered and Calm
For a lot of younger athletes, the time between runs generally is a strain cooker of nerves. For Colturi, it was completely different this time. “It wasn’t like different races as a result of I’d by no means been fourth after the primary run,” she mentioned. “I felt extra assured in myself and simply targeted on what I might management.”
Colturi leaned on respiration workout routines and psychological strategies she has practiced since she was 10. “I work with a efficiency middle that helps me keep composed throughout races,” she defined. “It actually helps, however I simply attempt to really feel assured and free between runs.”
She gave herself easy recommendation: “Have enjoyable, ski like you realize you possibly can, and don’t overthink it.”
Embracing the Problem: Pushing for the Podium
Throughout the second run, Colturi felt significantly robust on the steeper sections, a terrain she thrives on. “I really like the steeper elements of programs,” she mentioned. “After the steep half, I advised myself to push 100%, and that’s what I did.”
Crossing the end line, she initially thought she was fourth. However the pleasure was overwhelming when the belief hit that she was main. “When everybody began cheering, I noticed I wasn’t fourth however first at that time,” she mentioned. “I assumed, ‘Oh, my God, I made it!’”
A Dream Realized: Celebrating Second Place
Incomes her first World Cup podium was a surreal expertise for Colturi. “It felt like a dream,” she admitted. “Since I used to be little, watching World Cup races on TV, I all the time imagined myself there. Now, that dream has come true.”
Sharing the rostrum with Mikaela Shiffrin made the achievement even sweeter. “It was actually particular to be up there with such unimaginable athletes,” she added. “Standing subsequent to Mikaela and Camille (Rast) felt unreal. I simply advised myself to take pleasure in each second.”
A Quiet Celebration for Albania’s Historic Podium
As the primary Albanian skier to realize a World Cup podium, Colturi’s success is a milestone for her crew and the nation she represents. Regardless of the historic second, the celebrations had been understated. “I used to be so drained after all of the interviews and media consideration,” she mentioned. “We had a fast toast with the crew and a easy dinner. The subsequent day, it was again to coaching.”
She acknowledged that this podium was her victory and a collective achievement. “My crew has been so supportive of me. This podium means a lot to all of us.”
Trying Forward: The Killington Problem
The thrill doesn’t cease right here for Colturi. She’s gearing up for her subsequent races, an enormous slalom and a slalom in Killington, Vermont, on November 30 and December 1. “I’m actually wanting ahead to Killington,” she mentioned. “The power there may be all the time unimaginable, and I hope to maintain constructing on what I’ve executed to date this season.”
Together with her robust begin and newfound confidence, Colturi is keen to show that Gürgl was just the start of a outstanding season. “I do know I can do extra,” she mentioned. “I’m able to tackle the following challenges.”
A Rising Star with Large Goals
Lara Colturi’s journey is simply starting. Her historic podium in Gürgl is a testomony to her expertise, resilience and dedication. Italian by delivery however snowboarding for Albania, she is carving out a novel path within the sport and provoking a brand new era of athletes. Together with her confidence, cutting-edge gear, and relentless work ethic, there’s little question this rising star will shine even brighter within the seasons to come back.
Subsequent Cease: Killington—and the world is watching.
