Winter Olympic success

The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics has been Australia’s most successful, with Australia winning six medals – three gold, two silver and one bronze. 

I’d like to particularly acknowledge the incredible efforts of our own local hero, 31-year-old freestyle skier, Matt Graham from Narara, who won bronze in the Men’s Dual Moguls. This achievement makes his second Olympic medal, following his silver medal win in 2018. 

A four-time Olympian, Matt also had the honour of serving as Australian Flag Bearer for the opening ceremony, along with Olympic champion Jakara Anthony from Victoria. 

Matt joined the history-making ‘dad podium’ with Canada’s Mikael Kingsbury and Japan’s Ikuma Horishima, celebrating their medal wins alongside their wives and children.

I’d also like to congratulate aerial skier Abbey Willcox from Somersby, who made her Winter Olympics debut this year, along with celebrating the outstanding achievements of Australian medallists Jakara Anthony, Cooper Woods, Scotty James, Danielle Scott and Josie Baff.

Making it to the Australian Winter Olympics team takes years of dedication, commitment and determination on the part of athletes and coaches, as well as extra support from families and friends.

On behalf of our community, I’d like to express how proud we are of our Central Coast athletes who participated and congratulate them on their achievements. 

Mayor Lawrie McKinna