Lara Gut has posted a video on her Instagram account and here is the text:
"And how do you put such deep emotions into words?
Perhaps true understanding comes when goals—and the constant quest for progress—give way to happiness, inner fulfillment, and the ability to appreciate the journey traveled.
I remember my first podium in St. Moritz, after falling right at the finish line. During the ceremony that evening, I was swept up in a whirlwind of emotions: disbelief and immense joy, mingled with a slight sense of disorientation. I was happy and carefree.
Last October in Sölden, the emotions ran even deeper. The happiness and satisfaction I felt back in 2008 were now joined by an awareness of the path I had traveled and pride in that entire journey. That happiness was more mature, more complete.
I have had the good fortune and honour of experiencing a long and intense career, of expressing my dreams and aspirations through my skiing, and of sharing this journey with extraordinary people.
That feeling of absolute freedom on the snow has never left me. It was there when I was a child, it stayed with me throughout my athletic career, and it will continue to be a part of my life.
I also consider myself very lucky to be able to make this choice. After nearly twenty years of elite-level sport—and despite the falls and injuries—I suffer from no chronic pain. And I want to keep it that way.
That is also why I know the time has come. The time to stop stubbornly pushing my limits at all costs, and to stop forcing my body to endure such grueling paces and demands.
For me, skiing is something magical and natural. Forcing my body and mind to endure and manage pain would tarnish the image I hold within me of everything I have experienced with such passion.
The list of memories is endless. Only now do I fully realize and savour them.
For years, I worked tirelessly with a single goal: to excel and to win. Today, I feel only profound happiness, and I am moved to see just how beautiful it all was.
Thank you, Dad, for always being there, from the first day to the last. You taught me to look for solutions rather than seeing mountains of problems.
Thank you, Mom, for following us on even the wildest adventures and for always being my mom, no matter the circumstances.
Thank you, Jan. You are the best little brother in the world. You have always supported and encouraged me.
Thank you, Valon, my love. Life by your side is extraordinary.
Thank you to everyone who was part of this journey. Thank you to those who watched on TV and shared the thrill with me. Thank you to the coaches who supported my father and fought for me. Thank you to those who—sometimes without my knowledge—did something to make it possible for me to ski. Thank you to the children who dream of playing sports, and to the parents who support them.
Thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey.
Thank you to everyone who loves sport and lives for it.
I believe there is a time for everything in life. Today, I know the moment has come for me to stop putting on a race bib and lining up at the start.
I look forward to continuing to ski. And I am happy this way.
Lara"
From a personal note, thank you Lara for having the time to sit and chat, stand and talk to this journalist over the years. From talking in Kitzbuehel the year you made your breakthrough as you were sponsored by Rolex, to chatting to me when you were hosting a press conference in your home town, holding up the press conference.
Life goes on!
Image Zoom Agence