Lara Naki Gutmann: “My first significant medal was at the GP, first for Italy since Kostner’s time. It gave me strength, to realize that I belong. The European bronze was bittersweet: it wasn’t one of my best performances.”
The Italian skater Lara Naki Gutmann recently a bronze medalist at the European Championships in Sheffield, made some statements ahead of the Olympics.
original source: eurosport.it dd. 3d February 2026 by Fabio Barera
Italian figure skater Lara Naki Gutmann, fresh off a European bronze medal, shares her excitement for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympics, emphasizing her desire to enjoy the experience without focusing on results. Here’s a translation of her comments made in an interview for Tuttosport.
“Lara Naki is one name, all together. Naki was suggested by a friend from Ghana. He said it’s a good luck charm, meaning ‘first daughter.’ My mom liked it right away— – she even wanted to call me just Naki. Then this combo was born. Gutmann is my father’s surname; he lived in Rovereto, but the family is from Bolzano. He speaks to me in German, and at home we speak German. I speak it with difficulty—I should try harder. But I speak German with my grandmother.”
“When I was a child, she was the star. I admired her. And I’m grateful because in recent years she’s given me some advice. She’s kind and approachable. She was at the Europeans, and just her presence mattered.”
“At Beijing, I competed in the team event. But my dream is to participate in the individual event. Last year, at Worlds, I earned the spot for Italy. But it wasn’t guaranteed to be mine. I had to fight to secure it. I want to enjoy the village, the experience with the other athletes. I’m so happy to be at home. I know the city well because my mom and grandparents are from Milan.”
“My first significant medal was at the Grand Prix Finlandia Trophy, after so many years without an Italian medal – since Kostner’s time. It gave me strength, to realize that I belong. The European bronze, on the other hand, was bittersweet: I had a great opportunity, but it wasn’t one of my best performances. I was happy, but I didn’t know if I should really be. I’m going to Milan to enjoy every moment. No expectations about the result. As always. I’m excited, I can’t wait. It all starts at noon on February 6. Then there will be the opening ceremony. I hope to be there.”
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