Andorran Skier Carla Mijares DNFs in Women's Slalom at Milano-Cortina Olympics

Carla Mijares failed to finish the first run of the women's slalom at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Wednesday in Cortina d'Ampezzo, closing out Andorra's participation in the Games.

The 23-year-old skier from the Federació Andorrana d'Esquí (FAE), who started with bib 42, struggled with an early mistake in the first sector that cost her 3.75 seconds, leaving her provisionally 36th. She gained momentum in the second sector with a +0.62 split but went off course during a quick double gate while pushing to close her line and recover time. Of the 95 starters, 28 did not complete the run, preventing Mijares from advancing to the second run.

Competing despite a flexor muscle injury in her left big toe since late January—which caused pain inside her boot and curtailed training—Mijares skipped the team combined event but raced after recent sessions with improved feelings. Afterwards, she reflected that simply starting felt like a win amid weekly doubts. She started strong despite initial pain, lost rhythm early, nearly exited once more, then pushed on before the fatal error. "I enjoyed the experience immensely and leave motivated to train over the next four years to return stronger than ever," she said.

Mikaela Shiffrin of the USA claimed gold with a combined time of 1:39.10, her third Olympic title and fourth medal overall, ahead of Switzerland's Camille Rast (silver, +1.50) and Sweden's Anna Swenn Larsson (bronze, +1.71). Shiffrin led the first run in 47.13 seconds over Germany's Lena Dürr (+0.82) and Sweden's Cornelia Oehlund (+1.00).

Andorra's campaign delivered historic highs amid injuries. Joan Verdú took 10th in men's giant slalom, Xavier Cornella 21st in men's slalom, and Jordina Caminal 24th in women's downhill—all national bests. Setbacks included Cande Moreno's ACL tear in downhill (surgery set for 12 March), Caminal's super-G DNF, and cross-country skier Gina del Rio's debut results of 44th in skiathlon, 47th in classic sprint, and 35th in 10km free despite a pre-race cold. Irineu Esteve withdrew from cross-country to focus on recovery.

FAE alpine director Roger Vidosa described the alpine balance as positive despite challenges, praising Mijares's bravery: "It's unfortunate such an injury strikes during Games that occur every four years, but sport is like that." He eyes podiums in the 2030 cycle with the current strong squad. Cross-country head Xabier del Val called the Games difficult, noting del Rio's valuable debut experience as a young athlete and Esteve's wise withdrawal given subpar physical form all season. Vicky Grau's 19th in slalom at Nagano 1998 remains Andorra's best in the event.