Australia’s most successful Winter Olympic Games to date has culminated in a powerful display of unity and pride, with moguls champion Cooper Woods and aerials silver medallist Danielle Scott earning the honour of carrying the Australian flag at the closing ceremony. The decision, made by Alisa Camplin-Warner, highlighted the outstanding achievements of the 2026 Australian contingent, which boasted an impressive six medallists and a host of standout performances.
Woods and Scott, who were surprised with the news during a staged photo opportunity, expressed their elation and humility at being chosen to represent their nation. “She snuck up on us,” Scott recounted, detailing how Camplin-Warner revealed their selection while they were posing on the Olympic rings. Woods echoed the sentiment, calling it a “beautiful surprise” orchestrated by the entire staff.
For Woods, who etched his name in history as Australia’s seventh Winter Olympic champion with his spectacular moguls victory, the honour of carrying the flag transcends even his gold medal. “It means everything,” he stated, his voice thick with emotion as snow fell outside the Livigno media centre. “I said this yesterday, it means more than the medals, all the glory and fame. This is like, it’s one of the best things you can do in sport, to fly that flag for your country, so I’m super excited.”
Danielle Scott, who achieved a personal best score for her daring double Full-Full-Full in the individual moguls to secure silver, and then bettered that mark with a 120.20 in the mixed team event, described the flag-bearing opportunity as “the icing on the cake.” The four-time Olympian shared, “It’s an absolute privilege. I think for me personally, these Games have just grown into the best it could have and the icing on the cake now is being given this opportunity. To represent such a successful winter team is unbelievable.”
Woods’ gold medal ignited a remarkable cascade of success for Australian athletes throughout the Games. He spoke of the profound inspiration derived from witnessing his teammates’ unwavering dedication and exceptional performances. “Every day to watch them throw down or go their fastest and just represent the country the best they can,” Woods reflected. “It’s been super inspirational, I’ve loved watching everyone perform.”
The newfound recognition is something Woods is still adjusting to. “It’s actually been really overwhelming,” he admitted. “I don’t even know what it’s like back at home. My family just got back. We’re from a small town, Merimbula, and I think my brother’s become a bit more famous. It’s really cool. I’ve had some wonderful people reach out and… I still want to keep my head on straight. I am still Cooper Woods and I want to make sure that none of this actually changes anything.”
Scott believes the unprecedented success of the Australian winter sports teams at these Games signals a bright future. “When you’re watching one of your friends achieve such amazing things, it only motivates you and helps you to believe you can do it also,” she explained. “I think the team out there today is just so excited to get back on that water ramp [in Brisbane] and to push their jumping forward now because they’ve seen what we can do. And the sky’s the limit. So for me, I’m happy to be a part of that and I kind of can’t wait to get back in.”
Scott’s silver medal in the aerial skiing was a career-defining moment, following a top score of 117.19 in the women’s final. This podium finish is a testament to her dedication and the growing strength of Australian winter sports.
The Closing Ceremony Setting
The 2026 Winter Olympics will draw to a close at the magnificent Arena di Verona, a 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheatre that predates the Colosseum. This historic venue has already witnessed Australian sporting triumph, notably when Jai Hindley secured victory in the 2022 Giro d’Italia. Now, it will serve as the backdrop for the conclusion of a truly superb Winter Olympics for Australia, a Games that will be remembered for its record-breaking achievements and the inspiring spirit of its athletes. The ceremony is scheduled for Monday morning AEDT.
