MILANO-CORTINA, 07 February 2026 – Australian snowboarding icon Torah Bright has returned to the Olympic spotlight, serving as the nation’s flag bearer during the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics. As the most successful Winter Olympian in Australian history, Bright’s presence in Italy marks a significant moment for the Australian team as they begin their campaign for gold in Milano-Cortina.
Latest Updates: Milano-Cortina 2026
As of today, 07 February 2026, Torah Bright remains a central figure in the Australian Olympic narrative. Despite sustaining two concussions during heavy landings in the lead-up to these Games, she successfully led the Australian delegation during yesterday’s Opening Ceremony. Her role has shifted from competitor to a mix of veteran leader and expert analyst.
In recent days, Bright has been vocal in her support of the next generation of Australian riders. She recently praised youngster Valentino Guseli following his “miracle” run in the Big Air qualifiers, expressing her awe at his technical manoeuvres. Bright has also publicly backed Josie Baff and Guseli as Australia’s strongest gold medal prospects for the 2026 Games.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Torah Bright’s professional career began at the age of 14 in 2000. She rose to international prominence by dominating the halfpipe and slopestyle disciplines. Her crowning achievement came at the 2010 Vancouver Games, where she secured the gold medal in the women’s halfpipe. Four years later, in Sochi, she made history as the first athlete—male or female—to qualify for three snowboarding disciplines at a single Winter Olympics: slopestyle, halfpipe, and snowboard cross.
| Event/Competition | Result/Achievement | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Vancouver Winter Olympics | Gold Medal (Halfpipe) | 2010 |
| Sochi Winter Olympics | Silver Medal (Halfpipe) | 2014 |
| X Games | Two-time Gold Medalist | 2007, 2009 |
| U.S. Open | Three-time Winner | N/A |
| FIS Snowboarding World Championships | Bronze Medal | 2013 |
| Torino Winter Olympics | 5th Place (Halfpipe) | 2006 |
Personal Life and Legacy
Born in Cooma, New South Wales, Bright grew up in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains. While her name often leads to questions regarding her heritage, recent insights clarify that she is not Jewish; she was named after the Torah, while her sister was named after a Jewish piano teacher. Bright is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has been a prominent advocate for wellness and motherhood, famously defending her right to share powerful images of breastfeeding following online backlash in 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Torah Bright competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics?
While Torah Bright is present at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Games and served as Australia’s flag bearer during the Opening Ceremony, her primary role has transitioned toward mentorship and expert commentary, supporting younger athletes like Valentino Guseli.
How many Olympic medals has Torah Bright won?
Torah Bright has won two Olympic medals: a Gold medal in the halfpipe at the 2010 Vancouver Games and a Silver medal in the same event at the 2014 Sochi Games.
What makes Torah Bright’s Sochi 2014 performance historic?
At the 2014 Sochi Olympics, Bright became the first snowboarder in history to qualify for and compete in three different disciplines at a single Games: slopestyle, halfpipe, and snowboard cross.
Where is Torah Bright from?
She was born and raised in Cooma, New South Wales, Australia, a town closely associated with the Australian alpine industry.