Lara Gut-Behrami Injured, Out of 2026 Winter Olympics Bid

Switzerland’s renowned alpine skier, Lara Gut-Behrami, has been officially ruled out of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics due to a serious knee injury. The twice overall World Cup champion sustained a torn cruciate ligament, along with a torn medial collateral ligament and meniscus, during a Super-G training session in Copper Mountain, Colorado last week.

According to a statement from Swiss Ski, Gut-Behrami will not compete in any races for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. The organization confirmed that she is scheduled to undergo surgery next week to address the injuries sustained in the crash.

Gut-Behrami’s illustrious career includes 48 World Cup victories across three disciplines, and she has previously secured Olympic medals: a Super-G gold and giant slalom bronze from the Beijing 2022 Games, as well as a downhill bronze from Sochi 2014. Her absence from the upcoming Olympic season will be felt both on and off the slopes, as noted by Beat Tschuor, head coach of the Swiss Ski women’s alpine team. He expressed that she will be missed not only as an athlete but as an integral part of the team.

Reflecting on her injury, Gut-Behrami expressed disappointment about the unexpected turn of events. “I had imagined the next few months very differently and was really looking forward to the rest of the ski season,” she said. Despite the challenges, she emphasized a pragmatic view of her situation: “Recently we have experienced dramatic events in our sport — fatal accidents involving young athletes. I believe that a knee injury, however complex it may be, should not be regarded as a tragedy.”

The Olympic champion is determined to focus on her recovery, stating, “My goal is to make a full recovery from this injury and return to my full performance level. Only then will I know what the future holds for me.” As she prepares for surgery, the skiing community is rallying around her, hoping for a swift and successful recovery.