Australia has announced its largest-ever Winter Olympics team for the 2026 Milano Cortina Games, with a record number of female athletes set to compete. The team of 94 athletes includes 51 women, surpassing the previous high of 47 women at the 2022 Beijing Games. This milestone reflects Australia's growing investment in winter sports and its commitment to gender equality in athletics.
The record female representation comes as Australia continues to punch above its weight on the global winter sports stage. Since winning its first Winter Olympic medal in 1994, Australia has secured medals at every subsequent Games, including a historic haul of five medals at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. The 2026 team is expected to build on this success, with strong prospects in freestyle skiing and snowboarding.
Key athletes to watch include moguls skier Jakara Anthony, who won gold in 2022 and is a strong contender for multiple medals in 2026. Snowboarder Scotty James, Australia's most decorated Winter Olympian, will also be aiming to add to his medal collection. The team's depth in women's events is particularly notable, with several medal hopefuls in snowboard cross, halfpipe, and aerials.
Australia's winter sports success is attributed to targeted funding and world-class training facilities, such as the moguls course at Perisher Ski Resort and a water ramp facility in Brisbane. However, concerns remain about future funding as the government prioritizes summer sports ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. Athletes have publicly urged continued support for winter sports to maintain momentum.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, from February 6 to 22. Australia's record-breaking team is poised to make history, with hopes of surpassing its best-ever medal tally.
