In a remarkable achievement, Jakara Anthony has etched her name in history as the most accomplished Australian skier in World Cup history by securing her 26th moguls title at Waterville Valley in the United States. This victory not only elevates her status but also sets the stage for her to defend her Olympic title in Milan-Cortina, just a month away, following a stellar performance that marks her third win of the current World Cup season.
At just 27 years old, Anthony has surpassed fellow Victorian and aerials skier Jacqui Cooper, who previously held the record for the most titles among Australian skiers. The competition had been postponed by a day due to adverse weather conditions, yet Anthony managed to deliver an impressive and swift run during the medal round. Her routine featured a cork seven and a backflip mute grab, earning her a score of 81.17—the only female competitor to surpass the 80-point mark in this event.
Following her were American skiers Elizabeth Lemley, who scored 78.12, and Olivia Giaccio with 76.60 points, taking the second and third spots respectively. It’s noteworthy that Lemley, who missed last year’s competitions due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, has now achieved her second consecutive podium finish this season, showcasing her remarkable comeback.
"I guess I have a good track record here now," remarked Anthony, reflecting on her recent success, which includes two wins from the previous season in Waterville. "This month’s competition hasn’t been the easiest, and the season has had its ups and downs, so I’m just incredibly thrilled to execute some clean runs. It feels great to pause the World Cup season on such a high note before we head into the next one."
In addition, fellow Australian Charlotte Wilson finished in 13th place, contributing to the team’s presence in the competition. In the men’s category, Japan’s Ikuma Horishima demonstrated caution amidst icy conditions but still managed to clinch victory with a score of 85.56. Following him, Filip Gravenfors from Sweden secured second place with 80.54 points, while Shota Hirayama, another Japanese competitor, celebrated his first-ever podium finish in third with a score of 79.47.
Matt Graham, who, like Anthony, wore the yellow bib indicating he was the overall rankings leader, concluded the event in 16th place, and Cooper Woods followed closely in 22nd. Horishima expressed his feelings post-competition, stating, "I felt a bit nervous going into the finals due to the challenging conditions. I couldn’t perform a double full in the top air, but it’s fantastic to share the podium with another Japanese athlete, and I look forward to more successes in the future."
With such strong performances from Anthony and her compatriots, the excitement builds for the upcoming Olympic Games, where all eyes will be on these talented athletes as they aim for glory.
