The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) is celebrating a historic achievement following the successful campaign of the Australian team at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. With a total of six medals, including three gold, two silver, and one bronze, Australia has recorded its best performance ever at a Winter Games, finishing 14th on the medal table. Over half of the team secured top-15 finishes, with more than 20 athletes achieving top-10 results.
Reflecting on Success
Kate Jenkins AO, Chair of the ASC, attributed this success to years of dedicated planning, investment, and collaboration within Australian sports. “These past two weeks have been inspiring, and it was an honour to witness these performances first-hand,” Ms Jenkins stated. She emphasized that Australian athletes demonstrated courage, humility, and joy throughout the competition, making the nation proud.
Ms Jenkins highlighted the significance of long-term investments in Australia’s high-performance sports system, noting that $37.5 million was allocated by the ASC for winter sports over the current four-year cycle. “These performances are the culmination of many years of work from athletes, coaches, support staff, and the sector more broadly,” she added. This achievement aligns with Australia’s High Performance Sport Strategy, “Win Well,” which aims for performance excellence while promoting well-being and integrity.
The support from the Australian Government was also crucial. The revitalisation of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), alongside investments in world-class coaching, modern facilities, and athlete rehabilitation, has equipped athletes to excel on the global stage. The Geoff Henke Olympic Winter Training Centre and the AIS European Training Centre serve as vital training bases, providing Australian athletes with the resources they need to succeed.
Acknowledging Contributions
In her remarks, Jenkins expressed gratitude to various stakeholders. “On behalf of Australian sport, I want to thank the Australian Government, especially Minister Anika Wells, for their ongoing support of Australian athletes and sports. Without this support, these performances simply would not be possible,” she said.
She acknowledged the efforts of the Australian Olympic Committee, specifically Chef de Mission Alisa Camplin AM, President Ian Chesterman AM, and CEO Mark Arbib, for their roles in facilitating the team’s success on the world stage. “Thank you for supporting our Australian athletes to realise their Olympic dreams,” she added.
Ms Jenkins also recognized the contributions of the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia (OWIA), winter sport national sporting organisations (NSOs), and every staff member who provided support leading up to and during the Games. She specifically commended the ASC staff, particularly those within the high-performance arm of the AIS, for their relentless dedication.
“The spirit shown at these Games highlights the power of sport,” Jenkins noted. “These performances remind us why sport matters. They unite communities, inspire young people, and demonstrate what is possible when we work together. The legacy of this team will last long after the Games have finished.”
As the Winter Olympics conclude, Jenkins encouraged Australians to maintain the momentum in supporting their Paralympic team. “Their moment is coming, and the nation will be right behind them,” she concluded, underscoring the ongoing commitment to sports excellence in Australia.
