Lara Naki Gutmann: Italy’s Rising Star Set to Shine at the 2026 Winter Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina are rapidly approaching, and all eyes are on Lara Naki Gutmann, Italy’s sole female competitor in figure skating. The 23-year-vintage skater is poised to captivate audiences with her blend of technical skill and artistic expression.
From Torino 2006 Inspiration to Olympic Contender
Gutmann’s passion for figure skating ignited at the age of three while watching the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin. Inspired by Carolina Kostner, she began her skating journey and has since become a four-time Italian national champion (2021, 2022, 2023, and 2026). Her dedication is evident in her rigorous training schedule: three hours on the ice daily, supplemented by an hour of off-ice conditioning including classical dance, Pilates, and modern dance. She also pursues her studies online in Legal Sciences for Organizational Innovation and Social Cohesion at the University of Camerino.
A Bronze Medal and a Growing Legacy
Gutmann’s recent achievements include a bronze medal at the 2026 European Championships in Sheffield – the first for an Italian woman since Carolina Kostner. She also achieved a personal best of 204.29 points at Skate America 2025. Her middle name, Naki, of Ghanaian origin meaning “first daughter,” is considered her personal lucky charm.
The Art of the Costume: A Collaboration with Mapo Couture
A crucial element of Gutmann’s performance is her costume design, expertly crafted by Marika Poli of Mapo Couture. Poli, a former skater, coach, and judge, understands the intricate relationship between athletic movement and visual storytelling. She emphasizes that a skater truly transforms when wearing their competition attire, becoming a character and, a hero. Poli considers the specifics of Gutmann’s technique – her stance, leg position, and whether she is left or right-handed – when designing the costumes to maximize their impact.
Gutmann’s Signature Style: “SharkNaki” and Beyond
Gutmann’s performances are not just about technical prowess; they are about creating a narrative. A signature move – bringing her hand to her head to mimic a shark fin – has resonated with fans, earning her the nickname “SharkNaki” and a collection of shark-themed gifts. This playful connection highlights her ability to engage with her audience and infuse her skating with personality.
Breaking Barriers and Personal Bests
At the Milan Ice Skating Arena on February 6, 2026, Gutmann achieved a spectacular performance in the team competition, breaking the 70-point barrier for the first time in her career with a score of 71.62. This placed her third behind Kaori Sakamoto of Japan (78.88) and Alysa Liu of the United States (74.90). Italy currently stands in third place overall in the team competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Lara Naki Gutmann?
A: Lara Naki Gutmann is an Italian figure skater representing Italy in the women’s singles event at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Q: What are Lara Naki Gutmann’s major accomplishments?
A: She is a four-time Italian national champion and a 2026 European bronze medalist.
Q: Who designs Lara Naki Gutmann’s costumes?
A: Her costumes are designed by Marika Poli of Mapo Couture.
Q: What inspired Lara Naki Gutmann to start figure skating?
A: She was inspired by watching Carolina Kostner compete at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin.
Did you know? Lara Naki Gutmann is fluent in Italian, English, and German.
Stay tuned for further updates on Lara Naki Gutmann’s journey at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Explore more about the Milan-Cortina 2026 games here.
