Aussie Skier Matt Graham Secures Bronze in Historic “Dad Podium” Moment
Australian freestyle skier Matt Graham has clinched a bronze medal in the dual moguls at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, capping off a career-defining run with a unique and heartwarming achievement. Graham, a veteran of the sport and a proud father himself, found himself in a “small final” against Japan’s Takuya Shimakawa, ultimately securing his spot on the podium.
What made this particular medal race so special was the context surrounding it. Prior to Graham’s final run, Canadian legend Mikael Kingsbury and Japanese star Ikuma Horishima – both fathers – had battled it out in the “big final.” This guaranteed that at least two of the three available medals would be claimed by dads, a narrative that had captured the attention of the skiing community.
Graham, who is dad to his one-year-old daughter Ada, was acutely aware of the opportunity to complete an all-father podium. Speaking after his medal win, a triumphant Graham, with a beer in hand, told Nine’s Danika Mason, “Everyone’s spoken about the dads on tour. When I was in the start gate I knew what was at stake. The other two dads were going for a gold and silver so they’d already locked in a medal, and it was up to me to make sure I could round out the podium, and I did, so I’m really proud of that.”
The emotional culmination of this unique storyline was evident after the medal ceremony, with Kingsbury, Horishima, Graham, and their respective partners and children gathering for photos. Graham described this moment as particularly touching, telling Nine’s Leila McKinnon, “That’s really what hit me in the feels.”
This bronze medal marks Graham’s second Olympic podium finish, his first since claiming silver in the single moguls at the Pyeongchang Games in 2018. His journey to Milano Cortina was not without its challenges. The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics campaign was significantly impacted when Graham suffered a broken collarbone just two months prior to the event. Despite the injury, he bravely competed but finished in 29th place, a stark contrast to his pre-injury form.
A Comeback Fueled by Resilience and Team Spirit
Graham’s performance in the lead-up to the dual moguls was strong. He secured a fifth-place finish in the single moguls earlier in the week, and witnessed a remarkable victory from his fellow Australian, Cooper Woods, who unexpectedly clinched a gold medal. Graham, who also had the honour of being an opening ceremony flag bearer for the Australian team, displayed his mentorship and camaraderie by hoisting Woods onto his shoulders at the bottom of the course, their jubilant shouts echoing through the snowy landscape.
As Graham prepared for his bronze medal run, a glance to his left revealed his family – his mum and dad, his brother, his wife Jess, and his daughter Ada – waving from the sidelines. “I guess that’s when the emotions set in,” he admitted, “and to be up there with two fellow fathers – that’s pretty unreal.”
The “Dad Podium”: A Shared Experience
The phenomenon has been affectionately dubbed the “dad podium,” a testament to the shared experiences of these elite athletes. Gold medallist Mikael Kingsbury reflected on the significance of the moment, stating, “For us, it’s a circle. It’s legendary. We’re all very close. Takuya was the first [to become a dad], and Matt and I, our kids were born 10 days apart. It’s been fun being on the World Cup tour last year and this year, not chatting about skiing but chatting about our babies. … It’s quite unreal.”
Kingsbury and Graham share a personal connection beyond the slopes, having spent time together enjoying activities like boating and beaching on the Central Coast of New South Wales, where Graham hails from. “We share a special bond,” Graham confirmed.
The sense of understanding and mutual respect among the three fathers was palpable. Graham elaborated, “And then Ikuma as well, all being fathers, I mean, we know what we’ve been through, and we know how hard it is to say goodbye to your family, and how hard it is for our partners and our wives at home to do it on their own for a lot of the time. So it’s very special to share that moment with them, and I think there’ll be some celebrations by all of us, I’m sure.”
This “dad podium” serves as a powerful reminder of the human element within elite sport, showcasing the profound impact of family and shared life experiences on even the most competitive arenas. Graham’s bronze medal is not just a personal triumph, but a symbol of a unique and deeply resonant moment in Olympic history.
