Australia's official flag bearers for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics have been confirmed, with mogul skiing champions Jakara Anthony and Matt Graham receiving the prestigious honour.
Prestigious Honour for Australian Champions
The grand reveal unfolded in the Italian city of Livigno, where the Australian Olympic Committee confirmed the selection of the two accomplished athletes. Both skiers expressed profound gratitude and excitement about representing their nation in this ceremonial leadership role.
Jakara Anthony: From Gold Medallist to Flag Bearer
Jakara Anthony, the 27-year-old from Cairns who secured gold at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, currently stands as the women's world number one in mogul skiing. Despite her dominant position in the sport, Anthony described the flag-bearing appointment as surpassing almost anything she has achieved competitively.
'It's probably one of the biggest honours you can receive as an Olympic athlete,' Anthony stated during the announcement ceremony. 'Thinking back to growing up and seeing all the flag bearers that we've had for Australia, Summer and Winter, and to now get to stand alongside them and have that honour, it's pretty mind-blowing.'
The reigning champion, who remains a favourite to claim another gold medal in Milan, admitted she was still processing the significance of the appointment.
Matt Graham: Veteran Leadership Recognised
Matt Graham, currently ranked second in the World Cup standings, will be competing in his fifth Winter Olympics. The skiing veteran, who claimed a silver medal at the Pyeongchang Olympics in 2018, expressed particular pride in leading what he described as potentially Australia's strongest ever Winter Olympic team.
'Representing Australia at an Olympic Games is an honour in itself, and to now have the privilege to lead out, on paper, what's probably the best team in the history of Australian Winter Olympics, is very special,' Graham remarked.
Official Endorsement from Australian Leadership
Australia's Chef de Mission Alisa Camplin-Warner, herself a two-time Olympic medallist, offered glowing praise for both athletes' selection. She highlighted Anthony's exemplary poise and excellence, while noting Graham's long-term leadership within the team and his characteristic combination of grit and grace in competition.
The 2026 Winter Olympics officially commence this Friday, with the opening ceremony utilising multiple locations across northern Italy. While the main ceremony will take place at Milan's iconic San Siro stadium, home to football giants AC Milan and Inter Milan, Anthony and Graham will carry the Australian flag specifically in Livigno.
Australia's Winter Olympic Legacy
Australia has accumulated nineteen Winter Olympics medals throughout its history, including six gold medals. The nation's first Winter Olympic gold came in 2002 when Steven Bradbury famously shocked the world in the 1000m speed skating final in Salt Lake City, creating one of the most memorable moments in Australian sporting history.
As the countdown to the Games continues, the selection of Anthony and Graham as flag bearers represents both recognition of past achievements and confidence in future success for the Australian Winter Olympic team.
