The snow hangs heavy in the crisp Alpine air, a silent promise of the challenges and triumphs to come. For Michela Moioli, the path to Milan Cortina 2026 is no longer a burden of expectation but a serene journey of self-belief. Having conquered the last missing title in her illustrious career – the World Championship gold – the Italian snowboard cross star stands on the precipice of a home Olympics, a champion in every sense of the word.
The Weight Lifted: A Champion’s Newfound Serenity
“I am very, very motivated,” declares Moioli, her gaze fixed on the horizon of Milan Cortina 2026. Her words, spoken to Olympics.com during the FISI Media Day last October, resonate with the quiet confidence of an athlete who has faced and overcome immense pressure. Livigno, the picturesque alpine town that has adopted her as its own and will host the Olympic snowboard events, awaits her return.
But this time, it’s different. The 22-year-old who stunned PyeongChang 2018 with Italy’s first-ever snowboard cross gold is gone. So too is the flag-bearer carrying the hopes of a nation at Beijing 2022. In their place stands a seasoned champion, acutely aware of her capabilities. “I’ve taken a huge weight off my shoulders,” she admits. “I was missing the World Championship, and now, with serenity, I’m trying to approach this Olympics.”
Her victory in the World Championships this year, the final jewel in an already glittering crown, has liberated her. “When it’s time to compete, I know my worth and I know what I have to do,” she continues. “My main goal is to arrive there with confidence, feeling good, and then to enjoy myself.”
From Beijing’s Bruises to Engadine’s Glory: A Journey of Resilience
Rewind nearly four years to Beijing 2022. As the reigning Olympic champion and flag-bearer, all eyes were on Michela Moioli. Her pursuit of gold in snowboard cross ended in the semi-finals, followed by a painful fall in the small final, leaving her with injuries to her face, nose, chin, and ankle. Yet, from the depths of disappointment, she and Omar Visintin clinched a historic silver in the mixed team event – Italy’s first Olympic medal in the discipline.
“You also need a bit of luck. I hope we’ve used up all our bad luck with the previous Olympics,” she reflects, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. Indeed, the period since Beijing has been fraught with challenges. Injuries plagued her in 2023, but the following season saw her reclaim victory in the World Cup, culminating in the triumphant apotheosis last March in Engadine.
The World Championship gold, secured on the Swiss snows, brought back the exhilarating emotions of PyeongChang. “I’ve really taken this weight off,” Moioli reiterates. “When I won the Olympics, I was young, and I didn’t expect the aftermath of the gold medal to be so challenging. I suffered from it for a few years, but now I’m living it with much more serenity, even as something extra that brings me joy and confidence.”
“It’s something I’ve done, that remains, and that no one can ever take away from me, like added value. I’m calm, and whatever else comes is all a bonus.”
Passing the Torch: Who Will Lead Italy at Milan Cortina 2026?
At Beijing 2022, Moioli experienced the thrill of the Olympic Opening Ceremony as Italy’s flag-bearer. At Milan Cortina 2026, she will witness (from Livigno) the spectacle of a home parade. The mere thought sends shivers down her spine. While the competitions are the main attraction, the moment the Games begin is etched forever in the memory of those who experience it.
It will be her turn to pass the torch, not to one or two, but to four new standard-bearers for the Italian team, as Italy will have two flag-bearers in each of the two Olympic cities. Four years ago, Moioli was meant to share the honor with her friend Sofia Goggia, who was forced to miss the Opening Ceremony due to an injury – only to make a miraculous return to the slopes and claim a magnificent silver in the downhill.
And who knows, perhaps it will be Goggia’s turn to carry the tricolor at the head of the Italian delegation. “Surely Sofia would deserve it,” concludes Moioli, “but there are also other athletes like Federica [Brignone] who deserve it. We’ll see, I have no idea who it might be, but I certainly think one of them is more than qualified.”
Source: https://www.olympics.com/it/milano-cortina-2026/notizie/michela-moioli-olimpiadi-milano-cortina-2026-snowboard-campionessa-mondo/
