Lara Gut-Behrami endured a serious fall during speed training at Copper Mountain on Thursday, 4 July, sparking immediate speculation about a torn ACL and meniscus. Swiss Ski’s head coach Beat Tschuor insists the reports are premature, noting only a slight concussion and an unclear knee injury.
What happened?
During a high‑speed run on Thursday, the 34‑year‑old Swiss star lost control and hit the snow hard, landing on her left knee. The incident was confirmed by Swiss‑Ski, which released no details beyond the crash itself. Within hours, Geneva knee specialist Olivier Siegrist, who operated on Gut‑Behrami eight years ago, claimed the athlete called him personally, describing torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments plus a meniscus tear. He added that a full examination could not begin until early next week because the athlete’s flight back to Europe was delayed.
Why the conflicting reports?
Tschuor, speaking to Blick, countered Siegrist’s claims, saying the team only knows of a minor concussion and an “unclear” knee issue. He emphasized that the on‑site doctors have not yet performed a definitive scan, and that a comprehensive assessment will occur in Geneva next week. The coach also refuted rumors that flight shortages would postpone Gut‑Behrami’s return, confirming she will depart Denver on Saturday and land in Switzerland on Sunday.
How it affects her season?
Gut‑Behrami opened the current World Cup season in Sölden at the end of October, securing a podium finish that hinted at a strong campaign. An injury of the magnitude suggested by Siegrist could jeopardize her participation in upcoming downhill and super‑G events, potentially altering the Swiss team’s medal prospects. Yet Tschuor’s optimism—“Yes, absolutely, there is hope”—keeps the door open for a quicker recovery, pending medical clearance.
What comes next?
Swiss Ski announced it will release a detailed update after the Geneva examination, scheduled for early next week. Until then, the athlete remains in Denver, awaiting transport to Milan and then to the Hôpital de la Tour, where surgeon Julien Billières will take over from Siegrist. Fans and analysts alike will watch for the official diagnosis, which will dictate whether Gut‑Behrami can return to the World Cup circuit before the season’s next major stop.
When will we know?
The next official statement is expected by the end of the week following the scans. Until that point, speculation will continue to swirl, but the Swiss team’s priority remains the athlete’s health and a safe return to competition.