Jakara Anthony Wins Australia’s First Dual Moguls Olympic Gold
Jakara Anthony made history by winning Australia’s first-ever dual moguls Olympic gold medal at the Milano Cortina Games. At 27 years old, Anthony secured her second career gold medal, contributing to Australia’s overall medal tally at the event.
Jakara Anthony’s Journey to Gold
Anthony’s performance was marked by her determination. After failing to defend her Beijing title in the regular moguls event, she entered the dual moguls competition with a focused mindset. In the early rounds, she dominated her opponents with precision and speed.
During the event, Anthony faced three American skiers, including singles champion Elizabeth Lemley, whom she defeated in the semi-finals. The finals saw her race against Jaelin Kauf, where judges awarded her a score of 20 points to Kauf’s 15.
Dual Moguls Competition Breakdown
- Event: Dual moguls
- Location: Livigno course, Milano Cortina
- Final Opponents: Jakara Anthony vs. Jaelin Kauf
- Final Score: Anthony 20, Kauf 15
This victory established Anthony as the first Australian winter athlete to win two Olympic gold medals. Anthony joins fellow Australian Olympic champions, including moguls skier Cooper Woods and snowboard cross racer Josie Baff, showcasing Australia’s growing success in winter sports.
The Impact of the Games
Australia’s performance at these Winter Games has already marked 2026 as its most successful to date. Notably, Scotty James also earned a silver medal in the men’s snowboard halfpipe.
Challenges Faced by Other Athletes
While Anthony celebrated her victory, Laura Peel faced a heartbreaking setback. The two-time aerials world champion withdrew from the Olympics due to a serious knee injury, which she sustained at a pre-Games training camp in Airolo, Switzerland, earlier in February. Despite her determination, Peel acknowledged that her injury prevented her from competing effectively.
Peel had aimed for a strong performance in Italy after winning a recent World Cup event in Canada. However, after realizing the extent of her injury, she made the difficult decision to withdraw from the competition, expressing her disappointment on social media.
Conclusion
Jakara Anthony’s triumph in the dual moguls highlights a significant achievement for Australia in winter sports. As the country celebrates this milestone, the challenges faced by athletes like Laura Peel serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made for Olympic aspirations. The Milano Cortina Games are shaping up to be historic for Australia.
