Swiss alpine ski racer who won Olympic super-G gold in 2022 and World Championship titles in downhill and super-G, one of the sport's most consistent performers
Born in Sorengo, Ticino, on April 27, 1991, Lara Gut-Behrami grew up in a multilingual Swiss household that fostered her athletic development from an early age. She began skiing competitively as a child and quickly demonstrated exceptional talent across multiple alpine disciplines. Her family's support proved crucial as she progressed through Switzerland's youth skiing programs, where coaches identified her natural ability in both speed and technical events. Gut-Behrami's professional breakthrough came in the late 2000s when she joined the World Cup circuit as a teenager. Her first World Cup victory arrived in 2012, marking the beginning of a dominant period that would establish her as one of alpine skiing's premier athletes. The 2015-16 season represented her initial peak, when she claimed the overall World Cup title while demonstrating remarkable versatility across super-G, giant slalom, and downhill events. Her powerful, aggressive skiing style became her trademark, allowing her to excel particularly in speed disciplines where her technical precision complemented her fearless approach. Career-defining achievements include her 2016 World Cup overall title and multiple Olympic medals, including gold at the 2022 Beijing Olympics in super-G. Gut-Behrami has consistently ranked among the world's top alpine skiers, accumulating numerous World Cup victories and podium finishes across different disciplines. Her ability to compete at the highest level in both technical and speed events distinguishes her from many contemporaries who typically specialize in one area. Serious injuries, including hip and knee problems, temporarily derailed her career but her successful returns demonstrated remarkable mental and physical resilience. Gut-Behrami's impact on Swiss alpine skiing extends beyond her competitive achievements. She represents the modern evolution of alpine skiing, where versatility across disciplines has become increasingly valuable. Her sustained excellence and ability to overcome significant setbacks have made her a defining figure in contemporary women's alpine skiing, inspiring a new generation of Swiss athletes.
Olympic super-G gold medal at Beijing 2022
How They Played
Aggressive speed specialist excelling in downhill and super-G with powerful technical ability
Lasting Impact
One of Switzerland's most successful alpine ski racers with Olympic gold and multiple World Championship titles across speed events
Career Honours
- Olympic gold medal super-G 2022
- World Champion downhill 2021
- World Champion super-G 2021
- Overall World Cup runner-up 2016