Andorran Mònica Doria Claims Bronze in Women's Kayak at World Cup Finals

Andorran paddler Mònica Doria claimed bronze in the women's kayak final at the Canoe Slalom World Cup Finals, marking her seventh World Cup medal overall.

Competing at the Parc Olímpic del Segre in La Seu d'Urgell on Friday, Doria posted the fastest semifinal time of 94.93 seconds with no penalties to lead the field ahead of Australia's Jessica Fox and France's Marjorie Delassus, securing her place among the 12 finalists despite kayak not being her primary event.

In the final, starting last as bib number 13, she held a 0.84-second lead over Fox after the opening sector. A two-second penalty at gate 16 slowed her momentum, but she powered through to finish third in 96.44 seconds—2.67 seconds behind Fox's winning mark of 93.77. Camille Prigent of France earned silver in 94.49, 0.72 seconds off gold. Doria had advanced from heats in 101.14 seconds, including a two-second penalty, placing 11th and 3.86 seconds behind Spain's Leire Goñi (97.28) to reach semis in the top 30.

"I knew this semifinal would be tough with the field and the course," Doria said afterward. "Everyone was going all out, and I wanted to fight for medals." Looking ahead, she added: "I'd love to raise the bar a bit more. I know it's incredibly hard and everyone here is so strong, but with a little more work, we'll get there."

The event also saw senior World Cup debuts for Andorran youngsters Ona Perelegre and Nil Checa. Perelegre, 16, placed 53rd in women's heats with 145.91 seconds including four seconds in penalties (+48.63 off the pace). Checa finished 41st in men's heats at 95.02 seconds with a two-second penalty (+8.51). All three Andorrans qualified on Thursday for Saturday's canoe and Sunday's kayak cross eliminators. Spain's Maialen Chourraut recorded 99.36 in the final.