Lara Gut-Behrami Admits Mental Strain Ahead of 17th World Cup Season

Lara Gut-Behrami is starting her 17th World Cup season in Sölden, and she's feeling the mental strain.

What's at stake for Lara Gut-Behrami?

The 33-year-old skier admits that the aggression and competitive feelings required to win aren't the nicest. She enjoys skiing, but the pressure to perform is taking a toll on her mental health.

How does Lara Gut-Behrami cope with pressure?

Gut-Behrami reveals that she puts a lot of pressure on herself, which can be both a motivator and a source of stress. She can't function without pressure, but it also consumes a lot of energy. And that energy is depleted quickly, especially during the winter season.

What's next for Lara Gut-Behrami?

The Ticino native is not yet in top form due to a knee injury and illness, which forced her to lose muscle mass. But she's not worried, focusing on getting fit for the entire season, with another month to prepare after Sölden. Gut-Behrami will continue working with her new coaching team to improve her performance. She won the overall World Cup last season, but still sees room for improvement, aiming to ski every corner better. The key is to be physically and mentally well, which is her top priority. Gut-Behrami's experience and maturity will be crucial in managing the mental strain and pressure. As she starts her 17th World Cup season, Lara Gut-Behrami is determined to find a balance between her love for skiing and the demands of competitive sports.