First giant in the World Cup and 17th place in Killington, moreover at the age of 16: stuff for the predestined. Lara Colturifor weeks, it’s been on everyone’s lips. That he was an announced talent had been known for some time: in the youth categories he didn’t even leave crumbs to his opponents. A diamond in the rough that deserved other stages and the start of the major alpine ski circuit proved it.
It took Lara Colturi three World Cup races (she had also competed in the two Levi slaloms) before reaching the qualification for the second heat and the consequent points zone: the American Mikaela Shiffrin succeeded on the fourth attempt, Petra Vlhova on the first . Important comparisons, perhaps too much, but it is useful to compare very rare examples of precocity.
The daughter of the Olympic champion Daniela Ceccarelli, as known, has decided to compete for Albania, despite being very Italian: a choice that caused discussion and that Lara Colturi herself explained to us.
Did you expect, in the third race in the World Cup, to come close to the top 15 and set the fourth fastest time in the heats?
“I did not expect such a result, no. My goal was to have fun and experience. The first heat was very windy, but I was able to give my all. In the second I think I could have done better, but I’m very happy“.
Is giant at the moment your flagship specialty? What do you need to improve in slalom?
“I think that between giant and slalom there aren’t big differences, in the sense that, considering Levi, I haven’t gone very far from qualifying and I feel good in training“.
Will we see you competing in any super-G this year?
“I think so, I love speed and I have already trained and competed in South America as well. I should be present in St. Moritz, it is also a place that I particularly care about, I trained there and I will definitely train there again“.
Albania has no tradition in winter sports. How are you considered there and what is your relationship with the local media and fans?
“Excellent, there is a lot of attention and enthusiasm, both from the media and on social media and with all the people I have met, also in the institutions“.
Many argue that you can trace the career of Vlhova and Shiffrin. Do these comparisons weigh you down or is that really where you want to go?
“I don’t believe in comparisons, everyone has their own path and I don’t listen much to these things. I would like to continue having fun on skis, gain experience, travel, get to know new places. I don’t put pressure on results or future career“.
Do you miss not being able to wear the blue shirt or don’t you think about it?
“I don’t think about it, it’s not something I experience as a national football team, there have been manipulations and reflections that I keep away from. Skiing is ultimately an individual sport, like tennis, golf, and many others“.
In the future, would you like to ski again in Italy, your country?
“It’s not on my mind right now. I don’t even know what races and what activities I’ll be doing in a month’s time, it’s also nice to evaluate opportunities when they arise, without looking too far ahead. I’m interested in continuing to ski, doing what I love“.
Are you convinced you made the right choice with Albania?
“I’m happy to be able to continue skiing with my parents, who train me and also sometimes with my brother Yuri, who also skis. I received good support and was able to participate in the South American Cup and also make my debut in the World Cup. But there’s no reflection on our part about what if, we took a chance and now things are going well“.
Interview by Edoardo Diamantini
THE INTERVIEW WITH DANIELA CECCARELLI
Photo: Andrea Cappelletti
