There’s no doubting that Milano Cortina 2026 has been an amazing Olympics, but there are always going to be some things that stick with you more than others.
Undoubtedly, one of the most unforgettable moments was Lindsey Vonn’s crash. I’ve never experienced anything quite like it, as a collective gasp echoed throughout the media centre.
There’s also the devastation of watching Jakara Anthony slip from the course to deny her back-to-back gold medals in the women’s moguls, only to watch her put it behind her to win gold in the dual moguls three days later.
But if we’re talking about highlights, I can’t go past Cooper Woods’ gold medal in the men’s moguls.
Olympic champion Cooper Woods.Credit: Getty Images
Milano Cortina is my first Olympics for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, and there’s something special about watching someone win gold, in person, for the first time.
As I stood in the mixed zone waiting for Woods’ score to come up on the big screen, I was next to his aunt, who works as a reporter for another Australian media outlet. The moment when his score came up next to the No.1, is a moment I won’t forget for the rest of my life.
“Let’s go!“: Cooper Woods celebrates after winning gold at the men’s moguls final.Credit: Getty Images
What’s makes it even better is what a great guy Woods is. Last night, as we were having a team dinner in Livigno, Woods walked into the restaurant.
Rather than put his head down and ignore us, he came over to say hi, recognising the crop of Aussie reporters and TV crew who had interviewed him so many times over the past two weeks.
He gave us all a hug, and thanked us for everything we had done during the Olympics. Cooper Woods, a good dude, and an Olympic gold medallist.
