Australian Winter Olympic Team Finalises for Historic Milano Cortina 2026 Campaign
20 January 2026 – Australia’s contingent for the upcoming Winter Olympics is being finalised, with the first team members officially named as the nation prepares for its most ambitious campaign yet at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games. With a target of up to 60 athletes, the team aims to build on Australia’s record-breaking four-medal haul from Beijing 2022.
Australian Team Takes Shape
The Australian Olympic Committee began unveiling the team on 19 January 2026, with figure skating pairs Anastasiia Golubeva and Hektor Giotopoulos Moore among the first confirmed. The full squad, expected to compete across 12 winter sports, will be finalised in late January. This comes as the nation’s winter sports programme continues to grow in depth and international competitiveness.
In a significant development for the snowboard cross team, veteran Belle Brockhoff has announced her retirement from elite competition ahead of the Games. The decision, influenced by injury setbacks, opens the door for emerging talents within the Australian programme.
Australian Athletes to Watch
All eyes will be on defending moguls gold medallist Jakara Anthony, who will aim to become the first Australian woman to win consecutive Winter Olympic titles. Snowboard halfpipe star Scotty James is also a focal point, seeking to “complete the set” after winning bronze in 2018 and silver in 2022.
Other leading medal hopes include snowboard slopestyle bronze medallist Tess Coady, triple Olympian moguls skier Matt Graham, and skeleton silver medallist Jaclyn Narracott. A new generation, including snowboarders Valentino Guseli and Josie Baff, will also make their Olympic debut.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Games at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | 6 February – 22 February 2026 (Competitions begin 4 February) |
| Host Cities | Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy (Venues spread across Northern Italy) |
| New Sport | Ski Mountaineering makes its Olympic debut |
| Opening Ceremony | San Siro Stadium, Milan (6 February) |
| Closing Ceremony | Verona Arena, Verona (22 February) |
| Australian Broadcast | Live and free on the 9Network and streaming via 9Now |
Betting Landscape for the Games
As the Games approach, betting markets have been active. Norway is the clear favourite to win the most gold medals, reflecting its recent Winter Olympics dominance. In the high-profile ice hockey tournaments, Canada is favoured to win men’s gold, while a tight contest is expected between the United States and Canada in the women’s competition. In women’s curling, Canada’s Rachel Homan leads a strong team that is heavily backed for gold.
How Australia Will Watch
Australian fans can watch every moment of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics live and free on the 9Network. The broadcaster’s streaming platform, 9Now, will provide on-demand access to all events, highlights, and replays, available on smart TVs, mobiles, tablets, and web browsers. With the time difference, prime evening sessions in Europe will screen in the early morning hours across Australian eastern states.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the 2026 Winter Olympics start?
The official Opening Ceremony is on 6 February 2026, but some competitions, like mixed doubles curling, begin on 4 February. The Games conclude on 22 February.
Who are Australia’s biggest gold medal hopes?
Defending champion Jakara Anthony (moguls) and Scotty James (snowboard halfpipe) are considered Australia’s leading contenders for gold. Tess Coady (snowboard slopestyle) and Jaclyn Narracott (skeleton) are also strong podium chances.
Where can I buy tickets to the Games?
Tickets are available through the official Milano Cortina 2026 ticketing website. Due to high demand, particularly for ceremonies and alpine events, fans are advised to book well in advance.
What is new at these Winter Olympics?
Ski mountaineering will make its Olympic debut. Furthermore, these will be the most geographically spread Games in history, with events held across multiple clusters in Northern Italy, from Milan to the Dolomites.