UPDATE: Australian skier Jakara Anthony has surged to the forefront of the women’s moguls competition at Milano Cortina 2026, posting a top score of 81.65 in the qualifiers held in Livigno. This stunning performance not only confirms her status as the athlete to beat but also allows her to bypass the second round, heading straight to the finals scheduled for 12:15 AM AEDT on Thursday.
Anthony dazzled spectators with her seamless run, showcasing remarkable speed and control as she executed a flawless cork 7 mute and a back X in her two jumps. “It felt pretty tidy,” she remarked after her run, expressing confidence in her preparation for the finals.
As the defending Olympic champion, Anthony is determined to make history by becoming the first Australian to win back-to-back gold medals in this event. In an effort to manage the pressure, she plans to immerse herself in her favorite show, Grey’s Anatomy, to distract her mind before the critical final.
“I’ll pretty much try and switch off as much as I can until we’ve got to come out and ski tomorrow,” she stated, adding that she is currently in season eight and humorously requested, “No spoilers, I’ve watched it through. This is the third time around.”
In a boost to her spirits, Anthony is supported by a raucous crowd of friends and family, many of whom sport custom ice hockey-style jerseys emblazoned with “Australia” and “Jakara.” “I could hear them up the top,” she said, highlighting their enthusiasm and presence at the event, especially since many are experiencing their first trip to Europe.
Other Australian competitors are also in the mix, with Emma Bosco and Charlotte Wilson both looking to join Anthony in the finals after finishing 17th and 28th, respectively, in the qualifiers.
In the men’s moguls, Matt Graham secured his place in the finals with a 10th place finish, edging out the cutoff by just 0.46 points. The silver medalist from the 2018 Winter Olympics is eager for redemption after a disappointing performance in Beijing, stating, “Not my best… I had really good training this morning but got a little out of time.”
Meanwhile, fellow Australians Cooper Woods, Harvey Jackson, and George Murphy will face a tough challenge in the second qualification round on Thursday morning. Jackson, who recently recovered from an ACL injury, expressed his pride in being an Olympian, saying, “It’s the proudest moment of my life so far.”
As the Winter Olympic Games continue, all eyes will be on Anthony and her fellow competitors as they aim for glory. The competition will be broadcast on the 9Network, 9Now, and Stan Sport, ensuring fans won’t miss a moment of this thrilling season.
Stay tuned for further updates as these athletes chase their Olympic dreams!
