At just 19, Lara Colturi is turning heads at the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina and could make history as Albania’s first medalist in a Winter Games event. From the very beginning, she dedicated herself to skiing with relentless passion.

“I went to school, then ice skating for two hours, then skiing in the afternoon, then home, homework, dinner, and then again!” Lara recalls. And she was only 10 years old. Despite the grueling schedule, skiing always excited her. “For me, it was funny to do it, because if I didn’t, I got bored,” she laughs.

Over the years, Lara developed a winning mindset. She practiced breathing exercises to stay focused and present during competitions. This discipline paid off, as she is now among the world’s top slalom skiers.

As she heads to Milan-Cortina, Lara carries the hopes of a country that only recently won its first Summer Olympic medals in Paris 2024. Her journey is more than personal—it inspires a nation. “Lara’s journey has been phenomenal for a country of three million,” says Alesia Burnazi from RTSH. Furthermore, she adds, “She inspires young girls to dream, and the whole population is learning more about skiing.”

For Lara, the recognition is exciting but also a bit surprising. “Albania didn’t know what alpine skiing was until now. And now I’m like a celebrity there. It’s amazing. I’m just an alpine skier,” she says.

Meanwhile, skiing is gaining popularity across Albania. Lara explains, “I’m not doing anything big, but for them it’s just amazing. They have some small hills… and now they enjoy skiing a little. So yes, it’s just amazing.”

Through her talent, discipline, and determination, Lara Colturi is putting Albania on the winter sports map and making the entire nation proud.

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