Who to support at the 2026 Winter Olympics as an Australian
Winter Olympics fever is (you could say) heating up, as it is now just under two months away. We here at Joe Fortune have been keeping a keen eye on our team as they prepare to head to Milano Cortina in 2026. From skiing to snowboarding and curling, there’s plenty of excitement ahead. But if you’ve never watched the Winter Olympics or are wondering who to cheer for, we’ve got you covered in our quick and easy to follow rundown.
Is Australia good at the Winter Olympics?
As you know here in Australia we are better known for sun, surf and summer sports, but when it comes to the Winter Olympics, we punch well above our weight. Since first competing in 1936, Team Australia has steadily grown its presence on the world stage.
Our nation has a proud history in freestyle skiing and snowboarding, producing multiple Olympic medallists over the years. Athletes like Steven Bradbury, Alisa Camplin, Torah Bright, and more recently, Jakara Anthony and Scotty James, have shown the world that Aussies can thrive on the snow and ice.
While our medal tally is smaller compared to countries with long-standing winter traditions, Australia has a knack for delivering gold when it matters. The Aussie Winter Olympics story is one of skill, daring, and the occasional shock result so backing Team Australia always comes with excitement.
What sports are Australia competing in at the Winter Olympics?
For Milano Cortina 2026, Australia is fielding athletes across a wide range of events including:
Freestyle Skiing
Our strongest Winter Olympics sport, freestyle skiing sees Aussies compete in moguls, aerials, halfpipe, slopestyle, and big air events.
Snowboarding
Snowboarders represent Australia in halfpipe, slopestyle, and big air competitions. This sport has been a source of multiple Olympic medals, thanks to world-class talent like Scotty James and Tess Coady.
Bobsleigh
Although less traditional, Australia has made strides in bobsleigh, particularly in the women’s monobob event, where athletes like Bree Walker are emerging as serious medal contenders.
Curling
A newer addition for Australian fans, mixed doubles curling features Tahli Gill and Dean Hewitt, the country’s first-ever Olympic curlers, aiming to make history in Milano Cortina.
Other sports
Australia will also compete in alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and speed skating, rounding out a team that showcases our country’s growing winter sports capabilities.
Who to back on the Australian team
Australia’s medal hopes are pretty good this time around with several talented athletes chasing glory in Italy. Here are some key prospects to keep an eye on:
Jakara Anthony (Freestyle Skiing – Moguls)
The Beijing 2022 Olympic champion is a dominant force and a top contender to defend her gold medal. She’s been performing well on the World Cup circuit, even after a recent collarbone injury.
Scotty James (Snowboarding – Halfpipe)
A two-time Olympic medallist (silver in Beijing 2022, bronze in Pyeongchang 2018) and four-time World Champion, James is hunting for his first Olympic gold in Milano Cortina.
Valentino Guseli (Snowboarding – Halfpipe/Slopestyle/Big Air):
A teenage sensation with a flair for innovative tricks, Guseli will likely compete in multiple events and is a genuine medal chance, having already achieved top results in World Cups and X Games.
Laura Peel and Danielle Scott (Freestyle Skiing – Aerials)
Peel, a two-time World Champion, and Scott, a World Cup Crystal Globe winner, are both top contenders in the aerials and could see Australia on the podium.
Matt Graham (Freestyle Skiing – Moguls)
The Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic silver medallist is aiming to go one better in 2026.
Tess Coady (Snowboarding – Slopestyle/Big Air)
Coady earned Australia’s first medal of the Beijing 2022 Games with a bronze and is a strong chance for another podium finish.
Bree Walker (Bobsleigh – Women’s Monobob)
Walker finished second in the 2024–25 World Cup standings and is a serious medal prospect in the monobob event.
Tahli Gill & Dean Hewitt (Curling – Mixed Doubles)
Australia’s first-ever Olympic curlers are currently ranked highly in the world and are aiming for a historic podium finish.
With such a strong and varied team, the 2026 Winter Olympics promises plenty of thrilling moments for Australian sports fans. Whether it’s the slopes, the ice, or the track, there’s no shortage of athletes worth cheering on.
Why you should get behind the Aussies
Supporting Team Australia at the Winter Olympics is about more than just medal chances; it’s about celebrating True Blue courage and grit. Many of our athletes train far from home, facing challenging conditions and fierce international rivals, yet they carry the Aussie spirit wherever they go.
The Winter Olympics are also a great chance to discover new sports. Even if you’ve never watched curling or aerial skiing before, seeing Australians compete at the highest level can turn casual viewers into fans. And when our athletes make the podium, the sense of national pride is unbeatable.
Tips for watching and following the games
If you want to make the most of the 2026 Winter Olympics, here are a few handy tips:
- Mark your calendar: Events in Italy will run across different time zones, so check schedules for prime-time broadcasts in Australia.
- Follow Australian athletes: social media and the Olympic website provide behind-the-scenes glimpses, athlete interviews, and live results.
- Pick your favourite sports: Even if you’re new to winter sports, watching freestyle skiing, snowboarding, or curling can be highly entertaining.
Whether you’re a die-hard winter sports fan or a casual observer, the 2026 Winter Olympics are set to deliver unforgettable moments. Australia’s athletes will be chasing history in Milano Cortina. From seasoned medallists to exciting newcomers, there’s plenty to get excited about. No matter which sport or athlete you follow, the crew here at Joe Fortune will be supporting Team Australia at the Winter Olympics 2026.