Three Aussies Reach Final, Medal Hopes High After Jakara’s Olympic Setback
In a dramatic twist at the 2026 Winter Olympics, three Australian skiers have advanced to the final of the men’s freestyle skiing moguls event. Despite a disappointing performance from fellow athlete Jakara Anthony, who was favored to win gold but placed eighth, the hopes for medals remain high with Matt Graham, Cooper Woods, and debutant Harvey Jackson.
Jakara Anthony’s Setback
Jakara Anthony, the Australian flag-bearer, faced heartbreak during her final run. As a top contender, expectations were high, but she finished last in her event. This unexpected outcome highlights the unpredictable nature of mogul skiing.
Aussies in the Final
Matt Graham, who previously won a silver medal in 2018, secured a spot in the final. He achieved this by claiming the last qualifying position in the competition. “Sneaked in there, probably got a little lucky, but I’ll take it,” he said after making it through.
Graham is joined by his compatriot Cooper Woods, who finished sixth in the Beijing Olympics. Both skiers showcased remarkable skills in the qualifiers. Harvey Jackson, making his Olympic debut, also advanced after finishing fifth in the second-chance qualifier.
Qualification Details
- Matt Graham: 10th place in qualifiers
- Cooper Woods: 1st place in qualifiers (score: 80.46)
- Harvey Jackson: 5th place in qualifiers
Upcoming Finals
The final event consists of two parts. In the first round, 12 skiers will be eliminated, leaving eight competitors vying for medals in the second round. The finals are scheduled to take place at 10:15 PM AEDT.
With Anthony’s setback in the women’s event, the focus now shifts to Graham, Woods, and Jackson. The athletes are determined to bring home medals and boost Australia’s standing in the Winter Olympics.
