Cooper Woods Shocks the World with Australia’s First Winter Olympic Gold
Cooper Woods has done the unthinkable, capturing Australia’s first gold medal at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in a stunning upset. The 25-year-old moguls skier went from relative obscurity to Olympic champion in a performance that stunned fans and experts alike. Woods, who had never won a World Cup gold and had struggled with confidence this season, delivered a flawless final run that edged out Canada’s moguls legend, Mikael Kingsbury, by the narrowest of margins.
It all came down to the final run at the Livigno Aerials and Moguls Park. Woods, dropping last in the lineup, skied with a rare mix of calm and intensity, knowing he had nothing to lose. His precision in the turns, combined with his fearless aerials, earned him the same overall score as Kingsbury, but his slightly higher turns score secured the top spot. The result was euphoric celebrations for the Australian team and a historic moment for the nation, marking only the seventh Winter Olympic gold in Australia’s history.
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This victory is remarkable not just for its outcome, but for Woods’ journey. Earlier in the Games, he barely qualified for the final, finishing 15th in the initial round. He openly admits he struggled with self-belief and even met with his sports psychologist to reset his mindset. What followed was a transformation under pressure, a testament to mental resilience and expert coaching. Woods’ mentor and family support, combined with years of experience in a sport deeply rooted in his family history, clearly paid off.
The impact of this win reaches beyond the medal itself. Australia has long been competitive in moguls skiing, but Woods’ performance reinforces the nation’s growing reputation in winter sports, proving that determination and focus can overcome long odds. It also sends a message to young athletes that setbacks are not the end, but part of the journey toward excellence.
While Woods celebrated his achievement in classic Australian fashion—joking about a “nice-looking beer coaster” medal—the significance of this moment will be remembered far beyond the pub. With dual moguls making its Olympic debut, Woods and his fellow competitors have more chances to shine, but for now, Australia can revel in this historic victory.
Stay with us as we continue to cover every medal, every moment and every story from Milano Cortina 2026. Follow along for updates and in-depth analysis of the Games as they unfold.
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