Lara Colturi, the talented 18-year-old skier representing Albania in international competitions, recently appeared on Prime Minister Edi Rama’s podcast, “Flasim.” Colturi shared her experiences in Albania, her promising career, and the pivotal moments that led her to join Albania’s national ski team.
A Family Decision
Colturi, who is of Italian origin, spoke about the decision to represent Albania, emphasizing the family-oriented approach behind it. “My parents made the decision to represent Albania, seeing the opportunity to work together as a family,” she explained. Reflecting on her earlier career, she said, “When I was in the C category, between the ages of 12-14, I had won all my races. We thought that taking this step would open all doors toward achieving top rankings in the World Cup. What I’m experiencing now is my dream, shared with my parents and filled with joy.”
The Red-and-Black Flag as a Symbol of Good Fortune
Colturi expressed her pride in competing under Albania’s red-and-black flag, attributing her recent successes to the decision. “It has brought me so much joy, like the award I won in Gurgul two or three weeks ago, along with three other top-ten finishes. These are significant experiences, and I am thoroughly enjoying myself,” she said.
Making History for Albania
In a groundbreaking achievement, Colturi recently placed second in the World Championship, marking the first time Albania’s flag was seen on the podium in an international skiing competition.
Her success signals a new chapter for Albania in the world of skiing, with Colturi leading the way as a symbol of determination, talent, and international recognition. The young skier’s story is not just one of personal triumph but also of national pride, as she continues to shine on the global stage.