For the first time in the history of skiing, there is a runner flying under the flag of Albania on the podium of the World Cup. At the tender age of 18, Lara Colturi achieved her first podium finish at the slalom in Gurgl.
23. November 2024
From: cst
Colturi is the daughter of Daniela Ceccarelli and Alessandro Colturi, a ski coach from Piedmont. In 2022, after a dispute with the FISI, she moved to the Scottish association, where her mother is also a coach. Now Colturi has made skiing history. For the first time in her young career, the technology specialist finished second on the podium in Gurgl.
Colturi was beaten only by Mikaela Shiffrin, who celebrated her 99th World Cup win. The American was 55 hundredths faster. Camille Rast (+0.57) from Switzerland came third. This is also her first podium finish in the World Cup.
Azurre does not confirm their first strong run
From the Italian point of view, the race did not end as well as the break. Of the four Azzurre who played in the final, two were eliminated. Including Giorgia Collomb, who let her first World Cup points slip through her fingers two goals before the end. By the way: Collomb and Colturi know each other well, they are both the same age (born in 2006).
Lara Della Mea (she was in 10th place after the first round) was not at the end either. Martina Peterlini (20th) is the best Italian, followed by Beatrice Sola (21st).
How can Lara Colturi’s achievements influence the future of skiing in Albania?
Title: Making History on Skis: An Interview with Lara Colturi’s Coach
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, everyone, to this special edition of our interview series. Today, we have the honor of speaking with [Expert’s Name], the coach of emerging ski sensation Lara Colturi. Lara recently made headlines by becoming the first female skier to represent Albania at an international level. It’s an incredible milestone for both her and the sport. Thank you for joining us!
Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to talk about Lara and her journey.
Editor: Let’s jump right in. Lara’s achievement is historic. Can you describe the moment you knew she was going to break barriers in skiing?
Expert: Absolutely. From the very first time I saw her on the slopes, I knew there was something special about her. Her dedication and talent were evident right away. But it was during her training sessions last season when her determination to succeed really shone through. Her passion for skiing coupled with her desire to represent Albania made it clear that she was ready to take on this challenge.
Editor: It’s fascinating to see such a passionate young athlete. What unique challenges did you face in preparing her for this transition to representing Albania, especially being from Italy, a nation with a strong skiing tradition?
Expert: There were indeed several challenges. Lara had to navigate adjusting her skills to the competitive landscape in international events. Plus, she had to embrace a new national identity and the expectations that come with it. We worked closely on her mental preparation and built a strong support team around her to ensure she felt empowered and confident throughout the process.
Editor: It’s impressive how you prioritized her mental wellbeing. As the first-ever female skier from Albania, how do you envision Lara’s success impacting the growth of skiing in Albania and possibly inspiring other athletes?
Expert: Lara’s success is monumental! It not only shines a light on the potential for skiing in Albania, but it also serves as an inspiration for young athletes everywhere. By seeing her compete, we hope to cultivate a love for winter sports in Albania which could lead to more investment in sports programs and facilities. Lara is a role model, and I truly believe her journey will encourage other aspiring athletes to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they’re facing.
Editor: That’s a wonderful vision. Speaking of inspiration, how has Lara balanced her training with the pressures of competing on such a prominent stage?
Expert: Balancing training and competition is crucial. Lara has an incredible work ethic; she puts in hours of physical training, skill development, and mental conditioning. We take time to focus on her overall well-being, which includes recovery and maintaining a social life. It’s about finding that balance. Thankfully, she has a close-knit support group, which helps her feel grounded.
Editor: It sounds like a well-rounded approach. Lastly, what’s next for Lara as she builds on this historic moment?
Expert: The next step is focusing on upcoming competitions where she’ll have the chance to further hone her skills and gain experience. We’re also looking forward to building her profile in the ski community. Ultimately, we want to see her not only competing at the highest levels but also giving back to the sport by inspiring and mentoring younger athletes.
Editor: Thank you so much for sharing your insights and for the inspiring work you’re doing with Lara. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for her and skiing in Albania!
Expert: Thank you for having me! It was a pleasure.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from the world of sports!