Cross-country skiing : “Proud to have been able to represent Andorra and above all the people of Sant Julià”, writes Gina Del Rio
After the individual skate event on Thursday, the young Andorran Gina Del Rio announced on Instagram that her Olympic Games in Milan/Cortina 2026 were over. It was a difficult Olympiad for the 22-year-old cross-country skier, who finished 44th in the skiathlon, 47th in the classic sprint and 35th in the individual skate. In a lengthy message, she reflected on her first Olympic experience.
“I’ve always said that I’d rather not go to the Olympics if I wasn’t ready to compete at the highest level. I thought I was. The preparation was good. Even if the last few days weren’t ideal and I came down with a cough, a cold, a broken stick and a bit of pressure.
“I don’t know if it’s because of the scale of the event or the opinion of the press (who, I think, perhaps expected a bit too much and aren’t always aware of what it all costs; it’s normal after all, I expected more too). Even though I’ve always tried to keep my expectations low, not because I don’t believe in myself, but because you never know how you’re going to evolve, what might happen or in what state you’ll actually arrive. I’d rather nobody expected anything of me. But I know that’s impossible… because I’m expecting a lot myself. In any case, I’m leaving with a lot of things I’ve learnt. The kind you don’t see, but which leave a lasting impression. I’ve realised that, even if you try to do everything perfectly, there are factors that don’t depend on you.
“So don’t expect great things from me. I can’t promise results or perfect endings. What I can promise, however, is that I will do everything in my power to be better every day. And they say that’s one of the great ethics of sport: the result counts, yes, but it’s even more important to be able to look back and know that you gave it your all and didn’t keep anything for yourself.”
“I won’t deny that I’m going home a little disappointed, but also proud to have been able to represent Andorra and above all the people of Sant Julià. I’m determined to improve, to learn and to come back stronger and better prepared. And why not with an historic 35th place in Andorran women’s cross-country skiing, which isn’t too bad! (I suppose I’ve also learnt to look on the positive side of things!
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