Andorran Skier Cande Moreno Home Recovering from Serious Olympic Knee Injury

Andorran skier Cande Moreno is back home and beginning her recovery after suffering a serious knee injury at the Olympic Games. The 22-year-old, who tore her anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament during a downhill training run, also broke a finger in the fall. She now awaits surgery dates following a consultation with her surgeon.

Moreno described the initial shock as intense, with significant pain on the first day, but said she quickly regained composure, viewing it as part of the sport. "I felt the knee go with a loud crack and knew immediately it was broken," she told *Diari d'Andorra*. Having previously injured her other knee without long-term issues, she remains optimistic. The medial collateral ligament is healing naturally, requiring time for inflammation to subside before cruciate ligament surgery can proceed. Her hand injury may not need an operation.

Support has been crucial, she said. Her team, parents, and best friend were present in the Olympic village, alongside messages from fans and visits from other Women's World Cup athletes. She praised teammate Jordina Caminal for delivering a strong downhill performance shortly after Moreno was airlifted away, and highlighted the close bond within Andorra's speed team, coached by Xoque Bellsolà.

Recovery started immediately with light physiotherapy in the village, now intensifying at home with pre-operative exercises to preserve muscle mass and reduce swelling. Though frustrated by dependency on crutches and others, Moreno focuses forward. "I'm young and will do great things after all this," she said, determined to return stronger despite missing key World Cup races where she was excelling, including super-G events.

The injury stings after a promising season, with her best-ever European Cup result and rising form. Still, she views it positively: a solid start showed her potential, and the team is on the right track. Pre-season training in South America, possibly Chile, remains a goal, though timelines depend on medical advice. Moreno aims to compete fully next season.