The summer of 2019 marked a turning point for the Fernández Ochoa family. Blanca, a renowned Spanish skier and Olympic medalist, left home alone as she often did—but this time, she never came back. Her children, David and Olivia, recall that at first they didn’t think much of their mother’s absence. She would frequently head to the mountains for solitude. But with each passing day, their anxiety grew: Blanca wasn’t answering her phone, and her beloved dogs—who she never left behind—were still at home, a sign something was wrong.
The family and those close to them began to realize this wasn’t a usual situation. David recalls how his mother always tried to hide her true feelings, preferring to smile even in difficult times. Olivia adds that Blanca had never disconnected so completely from her children to the point of not staying in touch. These details became a worrying sign, and soon rescuers, police, and dozens of volunteers joined the search.
The wait and the anxiety
Eleven days of searching pushed David and Olivia to their limits. Each day brought new hope, followed by disappointment. They remember waiting for any news, refusing to let go of hope. Olivia admits that some moments from those days still feel like a blur—shock and stress took their toll. David, on the other hand, remembers every detail as if it happened just yesterday.
Recalling the last evening before her disappearance, the children note that nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Blanca was calm and interacted with them as usual. But after she left, small details started to surface—unusual behavior, belongings left at home, the absence of her usual messages. These things now seem important to them.
Family relationships
David says that in their family, it was customary not to discuss personal difficulties. Blanca always tried to shield her children from her problems, keeping her worries to herself and preferring to cope alone. Olivia confirms: their mother was a strong woman, but sometimes that strength led to isolation. They admit they did not always notice when Blanca needed support.
During the days when the search was in full swing, the children tried to stay together, support one another, and not lose hope. They note that it was this family unity that helped them get through such a difficult period. Despite the pain of their loss, David and Olivia believe it is important to speak openly about stories like theirs, so that other families don’t have to face loneliness in difficult times.
The importance of talking about mental health
During their speech, David and Olivia emphasized how critical it is not to stay silent about mental health issues. They urged people not to be ashamed to seek help or to discuss their feelings with loved ones. In their view, society should treat psychological difficulties as seriously as any other illness.
They are convinced that if talking about one’s inner state had been more common in their family, things might have turned out differently. David and Olivia hope their story will encourage others not to fear open discussions about their feelings and to seek support in time.
In case you didn’t know, Blanca Fernández Ochoa was the first Spanish woman to win an Olympic medal in alpine skiing. Her athletic career became an inspiration for many young athletes in Spain. After retiring from competition, she dedicated herself to her family and raising her children. Blanca’s name still commands respect in the country’s sports circles, and her life story remains a symbol of strength and overcoming adversity.
