Lara Colturi, representing Albania, has made history by securing second place in the slalom event at the “Gurgl” World Ski Championships in Austria. The 18-year-old Tirana-born skier delivered one of the season’s most thrilling performances, earning her first-ever podium finish and coming in just behind skiing legend Mikaela Shiffrin. 

Prime Minister Edi Rama celebrated the milestone on social media, sharing photos from the event and emphasizing the significance of seeing the Albanian flag raised on the podium of a world skiing championship for the very first time. 

“Lara Colturi, competing for Albania in the World Ski Championships, has achieved a historic result by finishing second in this prestigious competition, proudly lifting the Albanian flag to the world stage,” wrote Rama. 

Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj also congratulated Colturi, calling the news a remarkable achievement: 

“Super news! Lara Colturi of KS Tirana finishes second in the World Ski Championships. For the first time, the Albanian flag is raised on the podium of a world skiing event,” Veliaj stated. 

Colturi and her team now look ahead to their next competition in Killington next week. Meanwhile, this achievement is a moment of immense pride for Albania and its growing presence in the world of skiing. 

/k.s/