Andorran Canoeist Mònica Doria Penalized, Eliminated from Kayak Cross at Worlds

Andorran canoeist Mònica Doria has described her silver medal in the C1 canoe event at the World Championships in Oklahoma as her most coveted achievement, one she needed hours to fully process after a major mid-course error.

Speaking to media after returning from the United States, Doria explained that crossing the finish line left her in disbelief. She had made "a very big mistake" during the run and did not expect to see second place on the scoreboard. The result capped a challenging week that began with her disqualification from kayak cross, which she called "very frustrating, very unfair and very hard to swallow." Unable to control the judges' premature start call despite her 59.01-second effort, she channeled the setback into later events. "I let it all out, got rid of the anger and frustration from kayak cross, and changed my mindset to tackle canoe," she said.

In the Riversport Rapids C1 final, Doria posted a penalty-free 103.04 seconds, trailing Czech winner Tereza Kneblová's 100.52 by 2.52 seconds. Poland's Klaudia Zwolińska took bronze in 103.21, ahead of Italy's Marta Bertoncelli at 104.17. Doria had dominated her semifinal with 98.03, the fastest time, following her second-quickest qualifying run of 93.48 behind France's Marjorie Delassus.

The medal, Andorra's first podium in slalom canoeing, follows her Olympic sixth place in Paris and 2025 European C1 gold at Vaires-sur-Marne, the country's inaugural continental title in the discipline. She shared the international spotlight with Miquel Travé, who claimed men's C1 gold. The childhood training partners, who began paddling together at age eight, had previously celebrated in Paris, where his result provided her added motivation.

Doria now prioritizes the World Cups in Paris and La Seu d'Urgell in September for Olympic qualification, viewing them as "home 2.0." She sets aside European title defense, treating qualification as a "long race" focused on controllable performances rather than points. She supports Sant Julià de Lòria's proposal for a whitewater facility at Prat del Senzill, led by consell major Cerni Cairat, which could open before the mandate ends to encourage local youth.

In K1 kayak semifinals, Doria placed 15th overall in 101.13 after a two-second penalty. Sports Minister Mònica Bonell and Head of Government Xavier Espot praised the silver as inspiration for emerging athletes.