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SPEED QUEEN: Teen sensation Lara Markthaler takes South Africa to the Olympic slopes
dailymaverick.co.za
Tuesday, February 3, 2026

At 18, Lara Markthaler is already carving her name into Olympic snow. Nicknamed Spunkiiiiii and recognisable by her trademark pink hair, Lara heads to Milano Cortina to race the slalom and giant slalom, carrying the hopes of the country as one of only a handful representing South Africa.
At 18, Lara Markthaler is already carving her name into Olympic snow. Nicknamed Spunkiiiiii and recognisable by her trademark pink hair, Lara heads to Milano Cortina to race the slalom and giant slalom, carrying the hopes of the country as one of only a handful representing South Africa.
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