A Golden Start to the Olympic Build-Up
Australia’s top moguls stars Jakara Anthony and Matt Graham have opened their Winter Olympic campaign in perfect style, taking double gold at the FIS World Cup in Ruka, Finland.
The victories mark just the third time in history that Australia has won both the men’s and women’s moguls events on the same day — and veteran Graham has been part of all three.
Anthony Claims Emotional Win After Long Injury Layoff
Defending Olympic champion Jakara Anthony returned to the top step of the podium almost a year to the day after breaking her collarbone, an injury that wiped out most of her 2023–24 season.
“It’s pretty special… nearly a year to the day of getting injured,” Anthony told FIS.com. “To get redemption tonight is pretty special.”
After a rusty finish in Sunday’s season opener, Anthony adjusted quickly, delivering a clean, aggressive run to secure her 24th career World Cup victory. Americans Olivia Giaccio and Jaelen Kauf completed the podium.
Australians Charlotte Wilson (13th) and Emma Bosco (20th) also featured.
Graham Breaks Drought with First Win Since 2023
For Matt Graham, the Ruka triumph was his first World Cup win since Deer Valley in the 2022–23 season. Skiing last in the final, he executed a superb, confident run on a course he described as “challenging but fun.”
“Getting a double gold with Jakara — it’s massive,” Graham said. “We’re not a skiing nation, we’re a beach nation, so how the hell does this happen?”
Graham also finished fourth in the season opener a day earlier, underlining his strong start to the Olympic cycle. Teammate Harvey Jackson placed 18th, while Cooper Woods and George Murphy were unable to finish in the icy conditions.
Aerials Fall Short but Momentum Builds
There was disappointment for Australia’s aerial skiers, with the team missing the podium for the first time since January 2023.
Airleigh Frigo (6th), Laura Peel (10th), Danielle Scott (13th), Abbey Willcox (14th) and Riley Flanagan (19th) rounded out the results.
What’s Next?
With upcoming moguls events in Sweden and Georgia cancelled due to weather, Australia’s athletes will take a short break before resuming competition at Val Saint-Come, Canada, on January 9.
The countdown now intensifies toward the Winter Olympic Games, with competition beginning in Livigno on February 10.
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