The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina have finally arrived, and the Australian team is heading into Italy with a record-breaking mentality. After securing a historic four medals at Beijing 2022, the 53 strong Aussie squad is currently in the best form we have ever seen.
With 13 World Cup gold medals already in the bank this season, the green and gold are tipped to reach new high's on the podium. Here, bring you five Australian athletes you need to watch as the Games kick off, as well as the odds for them to win gold!
2026 Winter Olympics Preview: Aussie Hopes & Betting Odds
Jakara Anthony (Women's Moguls)
Jakara Anthony is not just a medal hope; she is the most dominant athlete in her sport. Freshly named as Australia’s Opening Ceremony Flag Bearer, the defending Olympic champion has spent the last year rewriting the history books. She recently broke the record for the most World Cup wins by an Australian, and she enters Milano Cortina as the World No. 1 in both Moguls and the brand new Olympic event, Dual Moguls.
With two chances at gold this time around, Anthony is the heavy favourite to become the first Australian ever to win two gold medals at a single Winter Games.
Also Consider: Jakara Anthony to Win Gold in Women's Dual Moguls $3.00
Jakara Anthony - Gold in Women's Moguls
$2.50
Scotty James (Men's Snowboard Halfpipe)
Scotty James is the veteran heart of the Australian team. Competing in his fifth Olympics, he already has a silver and a bronze medal, but he has made it very clear that he only has eyes for gold in Italy.
The 31 year old Melbourne local enters the Games on a massive high after winning his fifth consecutive X Games title in Aspen. His technical skills and height in the pipe are legendary, and with his fierce rival Ayumu Hirano standing in his way, the Men’s Snowboard Halfpipe is set to be one of the most watched events of the entire 2026 Games.
The betting markets have shifted dramatically in Scotty’s favour this week, with most currently listing him as a short $1.28 favourite to win gold. This surge follows news that defending champion Hirano ($11.00) is battling a serious pelvic injury sustained just weeks ago. With his main rival compromised, Scotty is the clear man to beat.
Scotty James - Gold in Men's SB Halfpipe
$1.28
Adam Lambert (Men's Snowboard Cross)
Jindabyne local Adam Lambert is entering his third Olympics in the form of his life. After a decade on the circuit, Lambert finally claimed his first World Cup gold in China just weeks ago, a result that vaulted him to the top of the World Cup rankings in Snowboard Cross.
Known for his explosive starts and tactical racing, "Lambo" is currently the man to beat in one of the most unpredictable and high speed events on the snow. With back to back podiums leading into the Games, he is a primary gold medal contender for Australia.
Adam Lambert - Gold in Men's SB Cross
$4.50
Bree Walker (Women's Bobsleigh)
Bree Walker has officially moved from a top ten contender to a feared podium threat. After a 5th place finish in Beijing, Walker has spent the last cycle racking up 17 World Cup medals and currently sits at World No. 2 in the Monobob.
She recently took gold at the St Moritz World Cup and claimed a bronze on the actual Olympic track in Cortina during the test events. In a sport traditionally dominated by powerhouse nations like Germany and the USA, Walker is the best chance Australia has ever had to secure a medal on the ice.
Bree Walker - Gold in Women's Bobsleigh
$3.75
Matt Graham (Men's Moguls)
Joining Jakara Anthony as a Flag Bearer, Matt Graham is the definition of grit. After winning silver in 2018 and battling through a string of severe injuries, Graham has fought his way back to the top, currently ranked World No. 2 in the men's standings.
Like Anthony, Graham will benefit from the addition of Dual Moguls to the program. His tactical experience in head-to-head racing makes him a formidable opponent, and a podium finish would be the perfect reward for one of Australia's most respected winter athletes.
Matt Graham - Gold in Men's Moguls
$11.00
When to Watch: Aussie Medal Round Schedule (AEDT)
Set your alarms. Because Italy is 10 hours behind Australian Eastern Daylight Time, most of the big medal moments will happen in the late evening or the early hours of the morning.
Women's Moguls Finals (Jakara Anthony): Sunday 8 February from 4:30am
Men's Moguls Finals (Matt Graham): Monday 9 February from 4:30am
Men's Snowboard Cross Finals (Adam Lambert): Thursday 12 February from 11:45pm
Men's Snowboard Halfpipe Final (Scotty James): Friday 13 February from 7:00pm
Women's Monobob Finals (Bree Walker): Sunday 15 February and Monday 16 February from 8:00pm
