Australia has achieved its best-ever Winter Olympics performance in Milano Cortina 2026, winning five medals in four days, including three golds. The nation, better known for its beaches, now ranks 11th on the medal table, punching above its weight.
The success stems from targeted resource allocation and investment in facilities. All medals have come from freestyle skiing (moguls) and snowboarding. A world-class moguls course, "Toppa’s Dream", at Perisher Ski Resort, and a water ramp facility in Brisbane for aerial practice have been critical.
However, concerns have been raised about future funding. The increase in federal funding for summer sports ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Games may lead to cuts for winter sports. Chef de mission Alisa Camplin expressed hope that winter sports will not be forgotten.
Mogul skier Jakara Anthony, after winning two gold medals, explicitly thanked federal sports minister Anika Wells for continuous support. Such public acknowledgment from an athlete is unusual, highlighting the importance of government funding for winter sports.
Despite the record haul, winter sports remain a fraction of summer sports funding. The peak body Snow Australia relies heavily on government support to maintain its success.
