Lara Gut-Behrami, a name synonymous with alpine skiing excellence for over a decade, might be considering retirement before the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Born in 1991, the Swiss skier burst onto the World Cup scene at just 16 and quickly became a dominant force across disciplines like downhill, super-G, giant slalom, and combined. Her career is decorated with World Cup wins, World Championship titles, and Olympic medals.

One major reason Gut-Behrami could hang up her skis early is her age. At 35, she’d be one of the oldest competitors in a sport that demands peak physical condition and agility. Alpine skiing is notoriously tough on the body, and after years of high-speed racing, the wear and tear can be significant. Gut-Behrami has faced numerous injuries over her career, and as she gets older, the risks and recovery times only grow. Prioritizing long-term health might outweigh the drive to compete in one more Olympic Games.

Another factor might be her career satisfaction. Gut-Behrami has already achieved so much, including World Championship titles and a bronze medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics. She could be tempted to retire while still at her peak to preserve her impressive legacy and leave on her own terms.

Personal life could also play a role. Married to professional footballer Valon Behrami since 2018, Gut-Behrami might want to focus more on family and other interests as she enters a new phase of her life.

While Gut-Behrami hasn’t confirmed any retirement plans, it’s clear that any decision would be influenced by a mix of age, health concerns, career satisfaction, and personal priorities. Whether or not she steps onto the slopes one last time at the 2026 Winter Olympics, her status as one of the greatest alpine ski racers of her generation is already firmly established.