A rising star would like to replace citizenship but threaten a ban

An extremely talented alpine skier Lara Colturi She was looking forward to her first World Cup winning stage last winter. These were also the first podium for Albania, for which the 18-year-old athlete, who saw the light of the world in Turin.

Mother Daniela Ceccarelli (Olympic champion in super giant slalom from Salt Lake City 2002) and father Alessandro Colturiwho are Italians, now want their daughter to ski for the country in which she was born. In Italy, it is supposed to have better opportunities for sports development, and at the same time it could earn more money – even from patrons. But they no longer have a lot of time available. The application for replacement of citizenship must be submitted by the International Ski Association (FIS) by 1 May. In Albania, however, they do not intend to release Colturi from their hands.

“We pursue our interests. Although Lara learned to ski in Italy, she would not be where she is now, « said the president of the Albanian Ski Association Elvis Toci and agreed to try to get the necessary funds for a talented skier. ““ “Edi Rama (Albanian Prime Minister) provided us with funds of € 300,000, « Toci revealed.

If Colturia replaces citizenship without the permission of the Albanian Union, it is threatened by a one -year ban on appearances in all competitions. This means that you should not ski at the Cortina Olympics next year. This would suspend her successful story. Last season for the World Cup, she particularly proved to be other places in the slalom in Gurgl and giant slalom in Kranjska Gora and third place in the giant slalom in Åre.