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Australia will be led into the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony by two of its most accomplished freestyle skiers, with reigning Olympic moguls champion Jakara Anthony and veteran campaigner Matt Graham chosen as the nation’s flag-bearers.
The announcement was made in Italy by Australian Winter Olympic Team Chef de Mission Alisa Camplin AM OLY, confirming Anthony and Graham as Australia’s 16th and 17th Winter Olympic flag-bearers.
Anthony, who captured gold at the Beijing 2022 Games, arrives at her third Olympics as the world’s top-ranked moguls skier. The 27-year-old from Barwon Heads, Victoria, is enjoying a landmark season and recently became Australia’s most successful World Cup gold medallist, with 26 career victories.
Describing the honour as overwhelming, Anthony said carrying the flag was among the proudest moments of her career. She added that sharing the role with Graham made it even more meaningful, having admired his journey and achievements since the early days of her own career.
Graham, 31, claimed Olympic silver in moguls at PyeongChang 2018 and is competing at his fourth Games. Widely regarded as a leader within the team, he has earned respect for his consistency, resilience and commitment at the highest level of the sport.
Graham said representing Australia at any Olympics is special, but leading the team at what he believes could be the country’s strongest-ever Winter Olympic campaign is an extraordinary privilege. He also highlighted the significance of sharing the moment with Anthony, noting their long history as teammates.
The pair were officially presented as flag-bearers in Livigno, a northern Italian town that will host freestyle skiing and snowboarding events during the Games. Camplin praised Anthony’s relentless pursuit of excellence and inspirational impact on younger athletes, while commending Graham’s long-standing leadership and embodiment of the Australian spirit.
Milano Cortina 2026 will feature a unique, multi-location opening ceremony on February 6, with San Siro Stadium in Milan serving as the main hub. Additional celebrations will be staged in Livigno, Predazzo and Cortina, where teams will parade in their respective competition zones. For the first time in Winter Olympic history, two cauldrons will be lit simultaneously in Milan and Cortina.
