Lara Colturi, skiing phenomenon from Italy to Albania: “Maybe I’ll be back …” – Corriere.it

Ski experts say that she is good, indeed very good, basically a phenomenon. But Italy (at least for now) will not have it: in the spring Lara Colturi, daughter of Daniela Ceccarelli, 2002 Olympian in super-G, and Alessandro Colturi, himself a former sprinter, accepted the offer from Albania together with his parents. In November she will turn 16, before that age to change her jersey she does not need the authorization of the federation of origin (ie Fisi): therefore Lara will be an “eagle” and not a blue. And if she becomes what she promises to be, someone will have to ask a few questions.

Lara, forced departure: why Albania?
«It was a decision shared by the family: the priority is to continue a journey with my parents. Mum takes care of the technical training, dad the issues related to the tracks, materials and other aspects ».

Will you introduce us to the almost sixteen year old Lara Colturi?
«I attend the Ski College Frejus in Bardonecchia. I feel good, they help me because when I am away I can follow the recorded lessons: it is more or less like being in class ».

Pros and cons?
«The flaws are there and they don’t reveal themselves, but I try to avoid them. As for the merits, I have one above all: I am sunny and smiling. From my mother I took the determination, from my father the tranquility ».

Is it too early to talk about boyfriends?
“I have a couple of ‘best friends’ and there is a particular person I am close to.”

Was it inevitable that he devoted himself to skiing?
«It was a natural choice, in the family we are tied to the snow. But nothing was ever imposed on me, I also had an alternative thanks to skating: I practiced it for a long time and I still train today, even though I don’t compete anymore. I am also a tennis player and I love the sea and its sports ».

Is skiing still fun or do you already feel the pressure of competition?
«It’s fun and it’s a growing passion. The pressure? As a follower of tennis I would like to quote Serena Williams: she says that pressure is a privilege ».

Are you thinking of cultivating versatility or will one day choose between technical and fast tests?
«When you are young it is normal to try yourself on several fronts. Indeed, on more sports. Then you have to decide and I think I have more opportunities in the technical specialties. But I also like speed, so I say: one step at a time ».

In the summer in South America he competed, fixed the ranking and won a lot. Do you feel ready for Sölden?

“Yup. But I also have to be realistic: it will be a new and intense experience ».

Lara Colturi, many say, will be the new ski champion. Motivated or scared?
“The motivation does not come from what you think of me. And the phrase doesn’t even scare me. I just hope to be able to do what gives me satisfaction ».

Idols and references of your sport?
«Sofia Goggia and Federica Brignone are two champions. Since childhood I have admired Mikaela Shiffrin: she has arrived almost at perfection; yes, I say “almost” because perfection is unattainable. Lindsey Vonn was also a model, while among the males I vote Marcel Hirscher ».

Will competing for Albania have emotional implications compared to Italy?
«I always feel Italian, I will simply represent another Federation in an individual sport and not as a team. Of course, you are born in a country and usually defend its flag. I understand that it is difficult to understand who passes to a different nation, but for me it will not be a problem: I am young and at the beginning, tomorrow we will see ».

Exactly: will blue ever wear?
«I am also an Italian citizen, when I want I can apply for affiliation with Fisi. But now I belong to the Albanian Federation and I don’t care about the future ».

Did your parents ever tell you about Tomba and Compagnoni?

“Yes, they were two super-champions. But it’s not my time and I don’t know so much about them. “