Michela Moioli has been injured. © Pentaphoto

Fears for Italian gold hopes after training crash

The men's Olympic snowboard cross race on Thursday did not go as the Italians had hoped. Their medal chances are significantly better in the women's event, where all hopes rest on Michela Moioli. However, the 30-year-old injured herself in training.

February 12, 2026

From: leo

Neither Omar Visintin nor Lorenzo Sommariva could provide any moments of joy on Thursday. The driver from Algund found himself in a difficult position after the race. clear words for his early exit. His teammate Michela Moioli hopes to do better 24 hours later. However, it's still unclear whether the 2018 Olympic champion will even be able to start.

As the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) announced on Thursday, Moioli crashed on the Olympic course during training on Wednesday. The 22-time World Cup winner suffered a facial injury. "She is resting on Thursday and will undergo further examination by the FISI medical commission," the statement read.

A medal guarantee

Should the 30-year-old actually be unable to compete, it would be a major blow for the Italian team. Moioli won individual gold in Pyeongchang in 2018 and team bronze alongside Omar Visintin in Beijing in 2022. She also became world champion in Engadin last year. This season, she has finished second, fourth, and eighth in three individual races.

Michela Moioli's participation is uncertain. © Pentaphoto

The qualifying rounds, which determine the seeding for the final, are scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday. The medal competition begins at 1:30 p.m. Besides Moioli, Sofia Groblechner from Trentino and the 17-year-old Lisa Francesia Boirai are also registered for the competition.