Australia’s two Winter Olympics flag bearers react to receiving massive honour -‘pretty mind-blowing’
Australia’s two flag bearers for the Winter Olympics opening ceremony have been confirmed – mogul skiers Jakara Anthony and Matt Graham.
Anthony, 27, is the nation’s most recent gold medallist at a Winter Games four years ago, and Graham is currently enjoying one of his best seasons on a World Cup circuit.
The grand reveal confirming the pair for the prestigious honour unfolded in the Italian city of Livigno.
Anthony is the yardstick of the mogul skiing world as women’s world No.1 – but she is adamant her recent honour surpasses almost anything she has achieved in her sport.
‘It’s probably one of the biggest honours you can receive as an Olympic athlete,’ she said at the announcement.
‘I’m still lost for words over it.
Jakara Anthony and Matt Graham have been announced as Australia’s two flag bearers for the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony
Anthony (pictured, after winning gold at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics) is the yardstick of the mogul skiing world as women’s world No.1
The 27-year-old from Cairns (pictured) is favourite to claim another gold medal, this time in Milan
‘Thinking back to growing up and seeing all the flag bearers that we’ve had for Australia, Summer and Winter, and to now get to stand alongside them and have that honour, it’s pretty mind-blowing,’ Anthony added.
Her flag-bearing partner Graham sits second in his World Cup standings, and is set to compete in his fifth Winter Olympics.
‘Representing Australia at an Olympic Games is an honour in itself, and to now have the privilege to lead out, on paper, what’s probably the best team in the history of Australian Winter Olympics, is very special,’ he said.
Australia’s Chef de Mission Alisa Camplin-Warner, herself a two-time Olympic medallist, spoke glowingly about the pair’s appointment.
‘Jakara Anthony is the epitome of poise and excellence,’ she said.
‘(And) Matt is a long-term leader in this team and competes with sheer grit and grace.’
The 2026 Winter Olympics officially begin on Friday.
Several locations are set to be utilised for the opening ceremony.
Matt Graham (pictured) was over the moon with his appointment as flag bearer
The skiing veteran (pictured) claimed a silver medal at the Pyeongchang Olympics in 2018
Both Anthony and Graham (pictured) will fly Australia’s flag in northern Italy
The main part will take place in Milan’s San Siro stadium, home of football giants AC Milan and Inter Milan.
But Anthony and Graham will carry the flag in the nearby location of Livigno.
Australia has so far won 19 Winter Olympics medals, with six gold.
The first top gong came in 2002 when Steven Bradbury famously shocked the world in the 1000m speed skating final in Salt Lake City.
