Australian moguls skiers Jakara Anthony and Matt Graham have both clinched World Cup gold in Finland, signaling a strong start just two months ahead of the Winter Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina. This victory marks the second occasion where the duo has simultaneously stood atop the podium, following their previous success at Deer Valley, Utah, in 2023.
Graham described the achievement as “massive” for Australia, while Anthony expressed her readiness to defend her Olympic title. The pair’s success highlights Australia’s growing prowess in winter sports, traditionally dominated by countries with colder climates.
Jakara Anthony’s Remarkable Comeback
Jakara Anthony’s journey back to the podium has been nothing short of inspirational. The superstar skier had been sidelined for nearly a year following a collarbone injury sustained during training in December. After undergoing surgery in Norway, Anthony returned to Australia for rehabilitation, determined to make a strong comeback.
During the competition in Finland, Anthony showcased her resilience and skill, qualifying third for the final. Her performance was impeccable, earning a score of 79.30, which secured her 44th World Cup podium and her 15th gold medal.
“It’s pretty special,” Anthony said. “It’s probably nearly a year to the day of getting injured. It’s been a bit of a journey with the broken collarbone, rehab, then a bit of a training block. It’s been a while since I skied at a comp, so I had to remember how to do that, and make those adjustments tonight.”
Charlotte Wilson’s Challenging Path
Fellow Australian skier Charlotte Wilson also competed in the women’s final, finishing 13th overall with a score of 66.63. Wilson’s path to the final was fraught with challenges, including a dramatic crash on the first day of competition that saw her lose both skis. Fortunately, she emerged unscathed, demonstrating her tenacity and determination.
Matt Graham’s Return to Glory
In the men’s competition, Matt Graham delivered a stellar performance under pressure, being the last competitor to take to the slopes. His run earned him a winning score of 81.72, marking his first World Cup gold in nearly three years.
Graham, aged 31, expressed his satisfaction with the result, emphasizing the enjoyment he found in the challenging course.
“It’s good to be putting down really good runs,” Graham said. “The course was challenging, but really fun, and I’m just enjoying it. To get a double gold with Jakara – it’s massive. We’re not a skiing nation. We’re a beach nation, so how the hell does this happen?”
Implications and Future Prospects
The success of Anthony and Graham underscores Australia’s growing presence in winter sports, a field where the nation has historically been an underdog. Their victories not only boost morale ahead of the Winter Olympics but also inspire a new generation of Australian skiers.
As the Winter Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina approach, both athletes are expected to be key contenders, with Anthony aiming to defend her Olympic title and Graham seeking to build on his recent success. Their performances in Finland serve as a promising indicator of their potential on the world stage.
With less than two months until the Olympics, the achievements of Anthony and Graham provide a significant morale boost for the Australian team, setting the stage for what could be a historic performance in Milano-Cortina.
