Skiing talent Lara Colturi is apparently considering a return to the Italian federation. After historic successes for Albania, she could soon be competing under the Italian flag again.

Ski racer Lara Colturi, who has been competing for Albania since 2022, could be racing under the Italian flag again in the future. According to the Swiss daily newspaper Blick, there are increasing signs that the exceptional talent is seeking a transfer back to the Italian Ski Federation (FISI). The Italian sports newspaper Quotidiano Sportivo also picked up on the story and quoted insiders close to the athlete.

However, no official request has yet been submitted to the FIS, the international skiing federation. This means that a return remains speculative for the time being, although it is not unlikely.

Early move to Albania for sporting independence

Colturi, now 18, was born in Turin in 2006 and is the daughter of former Olympic champion Daniela Ceccarelli. The latter not only trained her daughter privately, but also took on an official role with the Albanian federation after the move, as technical director. The move to Albania was a conscious decision by the Colturi family to break away from the traditional Italian support system and enable individual training conditions and early World Cup starts. This was also reported by Blick in its latest coverage.

Historic successes for Albania – but a future in Italy?

In sporting terms, the decision initially paid off: in the current 2024/25 season, Colturi made it onto the World Cup podium three times – a historic achievement for Albania. She came second in the slalom in Gurgl, second again in the giant slalom in Kranjska Gora, and third in the giant slalom in Åre. This made her the first Albanian ski racer ever to finish on the podium in the Alpine Ski World Cup.

But now a change of course could be on the cards. According to speculation in both Blick and Italian media, there are strategic reasons behind the possible switch back – primarily the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Participation in the Italian national team would be a huge symbolic stage for Colturi – not only as a return to her sporting “home,” but also in terms of sponsorship and public visibility.

FIS regulations govern changes of nationality

However, any change is subject to FIS regulations. A transfer of nationality must be formally requested and approved – including waiting periods and requirements, such as eligibility to compete in major international events such as world championships or the Olympic Games. According to the FIS, no such request has been made to date.

Future open, but potential undisputed

Whether and when Lara Colturi will actually compete for Italy again is still unclear. However, her successes to date – coupled with her young age – already make her one of the most promising personalities in international skiing. Both the Italian Ski Federation and the public are likely to follow developments surrounding Colturi closely.

Image:
Berner L3, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons