The countdown is on for Italian snowboarder Michela Moioli as she prepares for her fourth Olympic Games, this time at Milano-Cortina 2026. The athlete, hailing from Alzano Lombardo, is a unique figure in Italian winter sports, being the only competitor to have achieved victory in all major competitions – World Cups, World Championships, and the Olympics.
As the Games approach, the pressure is palpable, but Moioli is focused on savoring the journey. “There’s pressure, there’s a lot of anticipation,” she stated, “But I’m trying to live this great adventure day by day, enjoying the ride.”
From Early Setbacks to Olympic Glory
Moioli’s Olympic story began at the Sochi Games, a formative experience for the then-teenager. She recalls a sense of newness and excitement, but also a devastating injury that shaped her career. “I didn’t really know what to expect, everything was new,” she explained. “I was so close to a bronze medal in the individual event, and just as the Games were starting to come together in my mind, I found myself on the ground with a broken knee.” (The injury resulted from a collision with Bulgarian competitor Jekova.)
Despite the setback, Moioli views the injury as a pivotal moment. “Everything that happened made me understand how to work and how to face certain difficulties. Perhaps without that accident, my path would have changed. An Olympic medal at 19 might have completely changed everything…”
Four years later, at the Pyeongchang Games, Moioli reached the pinnacle of her career, securing the gold medal. She remembers a crucial moment of focus before the competition. “The release, the night before, looking at the track from above in the arms of my loved ones, had its weight. That’s what I needed to be focused and ready for the battle, leaving emotions aside.” The victory was followed by further success on the World Cup circuit, solidifying her position as a dominant force in snowboarding.
Navigating Disappointment and Seeking Redemption
The Beijing Olympics presented a different challenge. Moioli carried the weight of expectation as the flag bearer for Italy. While she secured a silver medal in the Team Mixed event alongside Omar Visintin, her individual performance fell short. “I was flag bearer, something that will stay with me forever. Everyone expected me to repeat my success, and I think I suffered a bit from that situation,” she admitted. A mistake in the semi-final prevented her from reaching the final, and a subsequent fall in the finalina added to the disappointment.
“Evidently, I needed a physical and mental wake-up call to react, and I did, with a great silver medal together with Omar Visintin. There was a lot of desire for revenge, and that second place was special.”
Looking Ahead to Milano-Cortina 2026
As she prepares for the Games on home soil, Moioli emphasizes the importance of staying grounded, and focused. “I hope it will help me a lot to remain serene, with my nerves steady and my concentration on that moment. Without, above all, thinking about the medals. I’ve already won two, and in my discipline, anything can happen, both in the individual and team events. So you have to be prepared for anything, accepting serenely whatever the outcome will be.”
She stresses the need to avoid fixating on the final result, instead concentrating on each run. “Heat by heat, constantly seeking the best. Without letting your thoughts race too far ahead. I will try to bring to the track also the awareness of a moment in which I am well, all around, combined with what the previous editions have given me, none excluded.”
A Familiar Track, A Community’s Support
The snowboarding competition will be held in Livigno, a location that holds a special place in Moioli’s heart, feeling like a second home. She describes the track as having a less selective start, suggesting that strong competitors will be able to maintain their form throughout the course.
Recently, Moioli had the honor of being a torchbearer for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic flame, passing the flame through her hometown of Alzano Lombardo. “It was a unique way to feel the affection of Alzano and greet my community, which has always cheered me on.”
Michela Moioli’s journey to Milano-Cortina 2026 is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the power of embracing both triumph and adversity. As she prepares to compete on home soil, she carries with her a wealth of experience and a quiet determination to add another chapter to her already remarkable story.
