Australian mogul skier Matt Graham is currently managing soreness from rib injuries sustained in a severe crash during a World Cup event in Livigno, Italy, earlier this year. Despite the discomfort, he can now train at full intensity as he prepares for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Graham, who is aiming for Olympic gold, was fortunate to avoid rib fractures, although he did suffer from bruising to his lungs and cartilage pain.
Just a week after his accident, he remarkably secured a bronze medal at the world championships in dual moguls, notwithstanding another crash that saw him lose a ski and tumble down the course. “I was coughing up blood after the crash, but thankfully my ribs were intact,” Graham explained in an interview, noting that his current soreness is manageable as he focuses on training ahead of the Games.
In addition to Graham, fellow athletes Jakara Anthony and Valentino Guseli are also on the mend and looking positive as they eye their Olympic dreams. Anthony, the reigning Olympic gold medallist in single moguls, suffered a broken collarbone in December during training in Sweden, which prematurely ended her season. She reported feeling nearly back to normal after challenging rehabilitation, stating she is “99 per cent of the way there” with no lingering issues from her injury.
Anthony, who previously dominated the sport with 14 gold medals in the last season—her most successful to date—will seek to defend her single moguls title and compete in the dual moguls, which will debut at the Olympics.
Meanwhile, Guseli, a promising 20-year-old snowboarder, is recuperating from an ACL injury suffered during a World Cup event in Beijing. His recovery has been progressing well, and he has started to regain mobility. “I haven’t had any setbacks and I’m looking forward to getting back on the snow,” Guseli shared.
The recent Snow Australia Awards celebrated notable achievements in Australian winter sports, with aerial skiers Laura Peel and Danielle Scott jointly recognised as Olympic female athletes of the year, while snowboarder Scotty James took home the male athlete of the year award. As they move closer to the Summer Olympics in February 2026, Graham, Anthony, and Guseli are determined and optimistic about their performances.
The hopes of Australia lie with these athletes as they embark on their journey towards the Winter Olympics, aiming to showcase their resilience and talent on the world stage.