Olympic champion Anthony makes moguls history

Melissa Woods | January 17, 2026

Jakara Anthony has made history as the most successful Australian World Cup skier, winning her 26th moguls title with victory at Waterville Valley in the United States.

Anthony is perfectly positioned to defend her Olympic crown in less than a month’s time in Milan-Cortina with a dominant showing to clinch her third World Cup victory of the season.

The 27-year-old surpassed fellow Victorian, aerials skier Jacqui Cooper, on the all-time World Cup list.

With the event delayed by 24 hours due to poor weather, Anthony completed a speedy, clean run in the medal round that included a cork seven and backflip mute grab for a score of 81.17 – the only female skier to score over 80.

Americans Elizabeth Lemley (78.12) and Olivia Giaccio (76.60) filled the minor placings.

Missing last year due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, 19-year-old Lemley has now posted her second straight podium this season.

“I guess I have a good track record here now,” said Anthony, who was a double winner in Waterville last season.

“It hasn’t been the easiest comp this month and the season’s been all over the place, so I’m just super stoked to put down a few really clean runs.

“It’s a nice place to leave the World Cup season on hold until the next one.”

Fellow Australian Charlotte Wilson finished 13th while Emma Bosco was 23rd.

In the men’s field, Japan’s Ikuma Horishima opted for safety in icy conditions but still did enough to secure victory with a score of 85.56.

Filip Gravenfors from Sweden took second with 80.54 points, while another Japanese skier Shota Hirayama earned his first World Cup podium in third place with 79.47 points. 

“I was a little bit nervous for the finals as these were very tough conditions. I couldn’t do a double full in the top air,” said Horishima.

“It’s very nice to have a podium together with another Japanese, and I hope there will be many more to come.”

Matt Graham, who along with Anthony wore the yellow bib as the overall rankings leader, placed 16th after missing his bottom jump landing after finishing third in qualifying.

Australian teammate Jackson Harvey continued his breakout season with another top-10 finish in eighth while Cooper Woods was 22nd.

The squad will now travel to their base in Ruka, Finland, for a training camp before heading to Livigno, Italy, for the Games.