The pressure is on for Jakara Anthony, the Australian freestyle skier who is set to make history at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. With her eyes on the prize, Anthony aims to defend her title and become the first woman to win back-to-back Olympic gold in moguls.
At just 27 years old, Anthony has already achieved so much. She is Australia's greatest hope for gold, having dominated the World Cup circuit and carried the flag at the opening ceremony. Her success has even landed her on the cover of Vogue, a rare feat that showcases the power of Olympic glory.
But here's where it gets controversial... Moguls is a sport that defies expectations. History tells us that even the greatest athletes rarely repeat their triumphs. Only one mogul skier, Alexandre Bilodeau of Canada, has ever won Olympic gold twice. Can Anthony break this mold and make history?
"Back-to-backs are incredibly rare in any sport," says Ann Batelle, a four-time Olympian turned moguls coach. "The course in Livigno is steeper than most, making it even more challenging. It will truly separate the best from the rest."
Anthony arrives in Italy ranked as the world's number one, with an impressive resume. She has won an astonishing 26 World Cup gold medals and seven Crystal Globes, an esteemed award for the highest points total in her discipline. Her journey began at Mount Buller, and she joined the World Cup circuit at an early age of 15.
For those new to moguls, the event may seem chaotic. Skiers navigate icy mounds at high speeds, launching into jumps and sprinting to the finish. But it's not all about speed; turns are crucial, accounting for 60% of the total score. Judges reward smooth, controlled turns, where skiers' legs absorb the moguls with precision.
"The best runs look almost calm," Batelle explains. "It's about keeping your legs together, arms out front, and maintaining a quiet upper body. You want to ski the path that water would naturally take."
This is where Anthony excels. Her technique is impeccable, with smooth carving and minimal mistakes. She is the one to beat.
"She has an incredible clean style," Batelle adds. "Her upper body remains still, and her hands are perfect. She's a true champion."
Anthony is also in peak form, returning from an injury-plagued season with three World Cup wins. Her most recent victory at Waterville Valley showcased her dominance, scoring an impressive 81.17 points.
But she faces tough competition, including the 2018 Olympic champion Perrine Laffont and the 2022 silver medallist Jaelin Kauf. Another rising star, Elizabeth Lemley, is returning from injury but has already proven her mettle by finishing second to Anthony.
And this is the part most people miss... The Olympic spotlight adds an extra layer of pressure. For two weeks, winter sports take center stage, capturing the world's attention. The expectations on Anthony are high, and failure to win gold may be perceived as a disappointment by many.
"The media and fans will expect nothing less than a second gold," Batelle warns. "It's a brutal reality."
Anthony understands the weight of her Olympic campaign. "Each Games is a unique experience," she says. "I went into Beijing as the defending champion, and there's still so much to learn."
So, what's Batelle's advice for Anthony? "Put the blinders on. Focus on your skiing, and let your skills speak for themselves."
Will Anthony make history in Milano Cortina? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the world will be watching, eager to see if she can defy the odds and create an unprecedented legacy.
