A 19-year-old Alpine skier competing for Albania expressed optimism about her future performance after securing a 10th-place finish in Wednesday’s Olympic women’s slalom event in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Lara Colturi recorded a time of 1:41.78 in the slalom race, placing her just behind Germany’s Emma Aicher and America’s Paula Moltzan. Despite her Italian birth in Turin, Colturi represents Albania through her mother Daniela Ceccarelli, who became the Albanian Ski Federation’s technical director in 2021. Ceccarelli previously won Olympic gold in super-G at the 2002 Winter Games.
“I try to do my best, and I’m really proud of it even though it wasn’t enough. I know I can do a lot, and ski a lot better, so I will just stay focused on that, and the season is not over,” Colturi stated following her race.
The young athlete, who primarily focuses on slalom events, indicated she might expand into speed disciplines despite recovering from an ACL injury sustained in 2023. She’s contemplating participation in upcoming super-G competition.
“Speed has always been somewhere in my mind. Unfortunately, after the injury it was difficult to train (in the speed disciplines). I was considering doing the next super-G in Italy, in San Pellegrino, but it depends on how I’m feeling. We’ll see, why not?” she explained.
The San Pellegrino venue will host women’s World Cup Alpine skiing competitions in early March.
Colturi’s training arrangement mirrors that of super-G and giant slalom champion Federica Brignone, with family members handling coaching duties. Her mother serves as her coach while her father works as her athletic trainer.
“It’s not easy being coached by your parents – we’re all growing, all three of us, and we’re learning a lot,” she noted. “Having my mum and dad always by my side, here as well, is truly wonderful; they are my rock. I definitely wouldn’t be here without them.”
The skier made World Cup history in 2022 when she debuted at age 15, becoming the circuit’s youngest female competitor in more than four decades. At these Olympics, she carried Albania’s flag during opening ceremonies.
“I haven’t spent much time in Cortina and I had never raced here. I didn’t know the course very well. But it was just amazing, especially when I crossed the finish line on the first run today. I’m really happy to be here,” she shared.
When questioned about potentially switching to compete for Italy in future events, Colturi remained noncommittal. “This is an individual sport, so I am here with my parents and that is the most important thing. As for the future, who knows – we’ll see,” she responded.
