Australian Sports Commission celebrates best ever Australian Winter Olympic performance in Milano Cortina

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) is celebrating a remarkable Winter Olympics campaign, with the Australian team making history winning the most gold medals and total medals of any Australian Winter Olympic Team ever. Three gold, two silver and one bronze saw Australia finish 14^th on the medal table, while more than half of the team achieved top-15 finishes, including more than 20 top-10 results.  ASC Chair Kate Jenkins AO said the results reflect years of planning, investment and collaboration across Australian sport.  “These past two weeks have been inspiring and it was an honour to witness these performances first-hand,” Ms Jenkins said.   “Australian athletes delivered our most successful Winter Olympics ever, competing with courage, humility and a real sense of joy. They made the country proud.  “We saw experienced athletes rise to the occasion and new talent step forward with incredible composure, showing a sustainable and exciting future for winter sport in Australia.”  Ms Jenkins said the team’s success reflected the impact of long-term investment in Australia’s high performance system, including $37.5 million from the ASC in winter sport high performance investment over this four-year cycle.   “These performances are the culmination of many years of work from athletes, coaches, support staff and the sector more broadly. It reflects Australia’s High Performance Sport Strategy, Win Well, delivering performance excellence while reinforcing wellbeing, cohesion and integrity.  “The Australian Government’s support for the revitalisation of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Campus, and its record investment in high performance sport through world‑class coaching, modern facilities, athlete rehabilitation, sports science and engineering allow athletes to thrive.  “Facilities like the world class Geoff Henke Olympic Winter Training Centre and the AIS European Training Centre as a high performance home away from home help give Australian athletes the best chance to perform at their best on the world stage.  “On behalf of Australian sport, I want to thank the Australian Government, especially Minister Anika Wells, for their ongoing support of Australian athletes and sports. Without this support, these performances simply would not be possible. “I'd like to acknowledge the Australian Olympic Committee, Chef de Mission Alisa Camplin AM, President Ian Chesterman AM and CEO Mark Arbib who’ve done a remarkable job delivering this performance on the world stage. Thank you for supporting our Australian athletes to realise their Olympic dreams.”  “To the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia (OWIA), the winter sport NSOs and every staff member who supported the team, not only over the last two weeks but over years building to this Games, thank you.   “And finally, to every member of the ASC, specifically the staff of our high-performance arm, the AIS. These performances simply don’t happen without your immense work, day in and day out.”  Ms Jenkins said the spirit shown at these Games highlights the power of sport.  “These performances remind us why sport matters. They unite communities, inspire young people and show what is possible when we work together. The legacy of this team will last long after the Games have finished.  “With the Winter Olympics now complete, I encourage all Australians to keep this momentum going as we support our Paralympic team. Their moment is coming and the nation will be right behind them.”