Australia's Olympic medal-winning moguls skiers, Jakara Anthony and Matt Graham, have been announced as flag bearers for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony. The announcement was made in Livigno on Wednesday morning, local time. Anthony, a defending Olympic champion, expressed her awe and gratitude for the honor, reflecting on her journey and the company of past flag bearers.
Anthony, 27, has dominated the World Cup circuit this season, securing three titles and becoming the number-one ranked moguls skier globally. Her success is remarkable, as she now holds more World Cup gold medals than any other Australian, with a total of 26. Graham, 31, has also had a standout season, currently ranked second in the overall standings with two podium finishes and a recent World Cup victory in Ruka. This win marked a significant achievement, as it was the third time in history that Australia claimed gold medals in both men's and women's events on the same day.
Both athletes have had their fair share of challenges and triumphs. Anthony suffered a collarbone injury similar to Graham's, which sidelined her for the 2024/25 season. Graham, a PyeongChang silver medallist, is making a strong comeback after injury setbacks affected his preparation for the Beijing Games. Despite these obstacles, their dedication and talent have propelled them to the top of their sport.
The Chef de Mission, Alisa Camplin-Warner, praised Anthony and Graham for their selection, highlighting their exceptional qualities. She described Anthony as a role model and Olympic champion, embodying poise and excellence. Graham, a long-term leader, is admired for his grit and sportsmanly spirit. Camplin-Warner's words emphasize the significance of their achievement and the impact they have on the team.
The 2026 Olympics will commence on Friday, with the opening ceremony's main event taking place in Milan's San Siro stadium. However, celebrations will extend to other locations, including Livigno, where Anthony and Graham will carry the flag, as well as Predazzo and Cortina. The anticipation and excitement surrounding the Games are palpable, and the flag-bearing honor adds to the significance of this sporting event.
