Lara Hamilton's Journey to Ski-Mountaineering at the Winter Olympics
Australian athlete Lara Hamilton is set to make history by competing in ski-mountaineering's inaugural appearance at the Winter Olympics during the Milano Cortina 2026 Games. Her path to this milestone has been anything but conventional, fueled by part-time work, DJ gigs, and a relentless passion for the sport.
From Childhood Skiing to Olympic Aspirations
Growing up in the New South Wales ski town of Perisher, Hamilton's introduction to skiing was steeped in family tradition. Her father, a former World Cup Nordic skier, instilled a no-nonsense approach, requiring her to keep up on the slopes before joining her parents. This early discipline laid the groundwork for her future in ski mountaineering, or skimo, which combines ascending mountains on skins, hiking with skis on one's back, and descending at speed.
"It was just in the family," Hamilton recalls. "We had old gear, and he taught me and my sister how to Nordic ski." Her interest deepened during college in the US in 2019, where she discovered backcountry skiing and eventually transitioned to skimo for its faster pace and lighter equipment.
The Role of Running and Trail Skills
Hamilton's athletic prowess extends beyond skiing. A chance win in a Sydney Harbour 5km race at age 17 revealed her talent for running, leading to a US college scholarship for track and cross-country. She has since represented Australia in trail running at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, skills that seamlessly integrate into skimo's aerobic demands.
"My trail running results are arguably still better than my mountaineering results, although I'm starting to catch up," she says. "I know I'm good at the highly aerobic stuff, and it's cool to try and put Australia on the map."
Financial and Health Challenges
Despite her achievements, Hamilton faces significant obstacles. Funding for winter sports in Australia is limited, forcing her to rely on donations, minimal government support, and income from a part-time job, DJ gigs, and Nordic ski coaching. "I'm living off the smell of an oily rag," she admits, highlighting the financial strain that persists even with Olympic funding.
Additionally, Hamilton battles ankylosing spondylitis (AS), an inflammatory condition affecting her sacroiliac joints, causing pain and stiffness. Managing this with immunosuppressive treatments around competitions adds another layer of complexity to her training and schedule.
Looking Ahead to Milano Cortina and Beyond
With the skimo events at Milano Cortina aligning well with her treatment plan, Hamilton remains optimistic about her Olympic debut. However, she is equally focused on the broader season and her long-term career, undeterred by uncertainties about her health. "I'm just going to keep going as long as I can," she asserts, embodying a resilient spirit that defines her journey.
As ski mountaineering makes its Olympic debut, Hamilton's story serves as an inspiration, showcasing dedication and perseverance in the face of adversity.
