As the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics 2026 enters its ninth day, Australian athletes are making significant strides across various events. From the slopes to the ice, the Australian contingent is showcasing their skills and determination. The day is packed with action, including Bree Walker’s campaign in the women’s monobob and Cooper Woods’ participation in the men’s dual moguls.
Australians in Action: Day Nine Highlights
Today marks a busy schedule for Australian competitors at the Winter Olympics. The events are scheduled as follows, with all times listed in AEDT:
- 8pm: Women’s Monobob first heat — Bree Walker
- 8pm: Women’s Giant Slalom first run — Phoebe Heaydon
- 8:30pm: Men’s Dual Moguls — Matt Graham, Cooper Woods, Jackson Harvey, and George Murphy
- 11:45pm: Mixed Team Snowboard Cross quarterfinals — Jarryd Hughes/Mia Clift, Adam Lambert/Josie Baff
- 12:15am: Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle qualifying — Tess Coady, Mela Stalker, and Ally Hickman
- 5:45am: Pair Skating Short Program — Anastasiia Golubeva and Hektor Giotopoulos Moore
Bree Walker’s Monobob Debut
Aussie athlete Bree Walker, affectionately known as ‘Bobsled Bree’, began her campaign in the women’s monobob event. Despite making a few mistakes during her first run, Walker finished with a time of 1:00.19, placing her third out of three competitors at that stage. Her performance offers room for improvement, and she remains optimistic for her subsequent runs.
Walker, who has been training rigorously for this moment, expressed her determination to refine her technique and capitalize on her experience in the upcoming heats. Her participation marks Australia’s growing presence in winter sports, traditionally dominated by colder-climate nations.
Cooper Woods: From Underdog to Champion
Cooper Woods, the 25-year-old sensation from Merimbula, is set to compete in the men’s dual moguls. His journey to the Olympics has been nothing short of remarkable. Last week, Woods clinched a surprise gold medal in the men’s mogul event in Livigno, elevating him to the status of Australia’s seventh Winter Olympics champion.
“He came from nowhere!” exclaimed fans, celebrating Woods’ unexpected victory. His triumph in a field featuring seasoned athletes like Mikaël Kingsbury and Ikuma Horishima highlights his rapid ascent in the sport.
Woods’ story is one of perseverance and dedication. Despite having fewer accolades than his competitors, his gold medal win has inspired many young athletes back home. His upcoming performance in the dual moguls is highly anticipated, as fans hope for another stellar display.
Medal Tally and Weather Challenges
As of day eight, Australia stands with three gold medals and one silver, a commendable achievement for a nation not traditionally known for winter sports prowess. The current medal tally sees Norway leading with 10 golds, followed by Italy and the USA.
Medal Tally Highlights:
- Norway — 10 gold, 3 silver, 7 bronze
- Italy — 6 gold, 3 silver, 9 bronze
- USA — 5 gold, 8 silver, 4 bronze
- Australia — 3 gold, 1 silver
Meanwhile, the weather has posed challenges, prompting the rescheduling of several events. The men’s snowboard slopestyle qualifiers were moved up due to an impending snowstorm expected to bring 1.5 meters of snow. Athletes and reporters alike are bracing for the cold, ensuring they are well-prepared for the conditions.
Looking Ahead: The Road to More Success
As the Winter Olympics continue, Australian athletes are poised to leave their mark. With upcoming events and the potential for more medals, the nation’s presence on the global stage is growing. The performances of athletes like Bree Walker and Cooper Woods not only inspire but also pave the way for future generations in winter sports.
The coming days will be crucial as athletes strive to maximize their opportunities and achieve personal bests. Australia’s journey at the Milano Cortina Games is a testament to the country’s evolving capabilities in winter sports, promising an exciting future.
