Cooper Woods Wins Gold: MILANO CORTINA, ITALY — In a performance that will be remembered as one of the greatest upsets in winter sports history, Australian mogul skier Cooper Woods has captured the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
In a high-octane final held under the floodlights of the Italian Alps on Thursday night, the 25-year-old from New South Wales delivered a near-flawless run to secure Australia’s first gold of the Milano Cortina games and the seventh Winter Olympic gold in the nation’s history.
The Rise of an Underdog: From 20th in the World to Olympic Champion
Going into the Men’s Moguls event, few pundits had Cooper Woods on their podium predictions. Entering the games ranked 20th in the world, Woods was viewed as a talented contender but an “outside chance” compared to the heavyweights of the sport.
However, Woods defied the rankings with a display of technical precision and raw speed. During the Super Final, he tackled the steep, icy bumps with a level of aggression that left the judges—and the crowd—in awe.
Overcoming the Giants of Mogul Skiing
To claim the top spot, Woods had to outshine the absolute legends of the sport. He managed to edge out the defending champion and the “King of Moguls,” Mikael Kingsbury, as well as several top-ranked Japanese and Scandinavian skiers.
“I can’t believe it. I just wanted to put down a run I was proud of,” Woods said, draped in the Australian flag after the scores were announced. “To see that number one next to my name… it’s a dream I’ve had since I was a kid, but it feels surreal right now.”
Joining the Legends: Australia’s Exclusive Gold Medal Club
With this victory, Woods officially enters the elite “Gold Medal Club” of Australian winter sports. He joins iconic names such as Steven Bradbury, Alisa Camplin, Dale Begg-Smith, Lydia Lassila, and Jakara Anthony.
Praise from Chef de Mission Alisa Camplin
Australia’s Chef de Mission for the 2026 Games, Alisa Camplin-Warner, who famously won gold in 2002, was among the first to congratulate the new champion.
“Cooper has shown incredible grit,” Camplin said. “He didn’t come here as the favorite, but he performed like one. This is what the Olympic spirit is all about—peaking at the exact right moment and believing in your process when the pressure is at its highest.”
The win is being hailed as a “tactical masterclass.” While others struggled with the firmness of the course, Woods’ ability to maintain a tight line while executing massive airs—including a signature back double full—made the difference in the scoring.
A Historic Night for Australian Winter Sports
The atmosphere at the finish line was electric as the “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” chants echoed through the valley. For a country better known for its beaches and summer sports, Woods’ victory serves as a powerful reminder of Australia’s growing dominance in freestyle skiing.
Why This Win Matters
- Ranking Defiance: Winning gold from a world ranking of 20th is one of the biggest leaps in Olympic mogul history.
- Program Success: This medal validates the heavy investment in the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia (OWIA).
- National Pride: It marks the second consecutive Winter Olympics where Australia has secured a gold medal in moguls, following Jakara Anthony’s success in Beijing 2022.
What’s Next for Cooper Woods?
As the gold medal is draped around his neck, Woods has instantly become a household name back in Australia. While the celebrations are set to continue throughout the Olympic Village tonight, the young champion is already looking toward the future of the sport.
“I want this to inspire more kids back home to get on the snow,” Woods added. “We might be a sun-burnt country, but we can definitely handle the ice.”
Australia currently finds itself high up on the medal count for week one, with the hope that Woods’ “unexpected” win of the gold medal will give the remaining Australians competing at Milano Cortina the impetus they need to follow up.
Conclusion: A Fairytale on the Italian Ice
Ultimately, Cooper Woods’ gold medal win is not just a win for the man, but for a piece of Australia’s sporting history. As a dark horse going into the 2026 Winter Olympics, Cooper Hawkes has shown the world what it means to be a true competitor, with determination and performance being the only factors that matter when it comes to overcoming the many other great moguls skiers the world has ever known, such as Canada’s own Mikael Kingsbury.
His victory presents a timely boost for the Australian team at the Milano Cortina event, affirming the efficacy of the nation’s investment in winter sports. As the gold medal hangs on his neck, Woods is a monument of Aussie spirit encapsulated within such iconic words as “never-say-die,” leading a horde of newer-generation skiers to dare to dream of a world conquest even though the land is considered to be nothing more than a beach paradise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How did Cooper Woods win gold when he had the same score as Mikael Kingsbury?
In a thrilling finale, both Cooper Woods and Mikael Kingsbury finished with an identical score of 83.71. According to Olympic mogul rules, a tie is broken by the “Turns Score.” Because Woods executed more precise technical turns through the moguls, his turns sub-score was higher, awarding him the gold medal over the Canadian legend.
Was this Cooper Woods’ first Olympic appearance?
No, this was his second Olympics. Cooper Woods made his debut at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, where he finished an impressive 6th place. His progress over the last four years, including recovering from a significant knee injury, culminated in his gold-medal performance in 2026.
Where is Cooper Woods from in Australia?
Cooper was born in Cooma, NSW, and grew up in the coastal town of Pambula Beach. He trains primarily at Perisher Valley and comes from a rich skiing lineage; his mother was an aerial skier and his uncle is a legendary mogul coach.
How many gold medals does Australia have in the annals of Winter Olympic Games?
This means Australia has so far won a total of 7 gold medals in the history of the Winter Olympics. He joins an elite list of Aussie sportswomen and men like Steven Bradbury, Alisa Camplin, and Jakara Anthony.
Who presented Cooper Woods with the gold medal?
It was a special moment for the fans from Australia, as the gold medal was presented to Cooper by the Australian canoeing legend and multi- Olympic gold medalist, Jessica Fox, who was invited to the event as part of celebrating the Olympics.
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