Australia's Best Winter Olympics Gets Two Flag-Bearers
Moguls champion Cooper Woods and aerials silver medalist Danielle Scott will carry Australia's flag at the closing ceremony after the nation's most successful Winter Olympics ever. Woods, who sparked the gold rush, said the honor means more than his medal.
Cooper Woods thought he was posing for a routine photo shoot when Australia's chef de mission Alisa Camplin-Warner snuck up behind him with life-changing news.
The moguls gold medalist and aerials silver winner Danielle Scott had just been named flag-bearers for the closing ceremony. It caps off Australia's most successful Winter Olympics in history, with six total medals.
"It means everything," Woods said, his voice cracking as snow fell outside the Livigno media center. "It means more than the medals, all the glory and fame."
Woods comes from Merimbula, a small Australian town that's suddenly found itself with a Winter Olympic champion. He admitted the attention has been overwhelming, though he's determined to stay grounded through it all.
Scott, competing at her fourth Winter Olympics, finally secured her first Olympic podium finish with a personal best score. She then topped that performance in the mixed team event with a 120.20, proving age and persistence pay off.
The Ripple Effect
Woods sparked Australia's medal cascade with his spectacular moguls victory. Watching his teammates follow suit inspired him even more than his own win.
"Every day to watch them throw down or go their fastest and just represent the country the best they can," Woods said. "It's been super inspirational."
Scott said the team's success has created unstoppable momentum. Athletes are already eager to return to Brisbane's water ramps to push their skills even further after seeing what's possible.
The closing ceremony takes place Monday morning at the Arena di Verona, a 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheatre that predates the Colosseum. Australian cyclist Jai Hindley won the 2022 Giro d'Italia there, making it a lucky venue for Australian sport.
Camplin-Warner had six medalists and countless impressive performances to choose from. She said Woods and Scott "personified the iconic team of 2026."
Australia's winter sports future looks brighter than ever, with a new generation inspired by what they've witnessed in Italy.
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Based on reporting by ABC Australia
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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