Andorran Skier Cande Moreno Returns Home After Olympic Downhill Crash

Andorran alpine skier Cande Moreno has arrived back in Andorra and begun her recovery after rupturing her left anterior cruciate ligament and tearing a ligament in her right thumb during a crash in the women's Olympic downhill at Milan-Cortina 2026. The 25-year-old now awaits surgery at Ordino's Centre de Tecnificació Esportiva, starting with her thumb before addressing the knee once inflammation subsides. She faces roughly six months of rehabilitation, aiming to resume training by late summer in South America if progress allows.

Moreno crashed shortly after a strong opening sector on the Olympia delle Tofane course in Cortina d'Ampezzo, landing awkwardly on a jump with bib 26 and just 0.19 seconds off the pace before twisting her knee and hitting the nets. Race officials paused proceedings for medical attention and scans before her airlift and eventual repatriation.

From the Olympic Village initially, Moreno expressed optimism despite the setback. "It's the second time—my right knee two years ago—and I came back stronger," she said. She slept well post-crash but has taken painkillers, adding, "I'm quite positive; it could have been much worse." Returning home has boosted her mentally, thanks to strong local medical support, though she regrets missing three World Cup races in Andorra where she felt competitive. In a recent update after arriving, she described the first day as "very tough" due to pain but noted growing eagerness for surgery and recovery. "I had everyone there—my team, parents, best friend—and huge support from World Cup peers and social media," she said, vowing to channel energy into a stronger return rather than dwell on the loss.

The incident came after US skier Lindsey Vonn's early fall, later confirmed as a tibia fracture needing multiple operations. Teammate Jordina Caminal, with bib 29, delivered Andorra's best women's Olympic downhill result at 24th in 1:41.34, 5.24 seconds behind gold medalist Breezy Johnson (1:36.10), with silver to Germany's Emma Aicher (1:36.14) and bronze to Italy's Sofia Goggia (1:36.69).

Olympic Committee president Xavier Espot called it a "terrible moment" for the team amid the sport's harsh injustices, while praising Caminal's mental strength under pressure and wishing Moreno a quick recovery. Coach Xavier "Xoque" Bellsolà described her as serene after a solid World Cup season and lauded Caminal's composure and speed skills. Sports Minister Mònica Bonell offered support alongside peers.

Andorra withdrew from the women's team combined due to Moreno's injury and Carla Mijares' toe strain from Spindleruv Mlyn. In cross-country, Gina del Rio finished 47th in Wednesday's classical sprint qualifiers, over 20 seconds behind winner Linn Svahn and 7.5 seconds from finals. "It was tough days; I wasn't at my top physically or technically, especially on the long climb," she said, citing unfamiliarity with the format despite her sprint background. Del Rio closes her Olympics Thursday in the 10km skate individual. Snowboarder Irineu Esteve pulled out early due to poor form, a choice officials backed.