LIVIGNO, Italy – Australia’s pursuit of a seventh medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics came up just short in the mixed team aerials event on Wednesday, despite a strong performance from silver medalist Danielle Scott. The Australian team, comprised of Scott, Abbey Willcox, and Reilly Flanagan, showcased impressive skill but ultimately finished off the podium, highlighting the intense competition at the Games.
Scott, the only member of the Australian trio capable of executing a triple jump, delivered a personal best score of 120.20 in the qualifying round, propelling the team into the four-team final. However, replicating that success proved challenging against formidable opponents from the United States, China, and Switzerland. The mixed team aerials event, a dynamic and visually stunning discipline, demands precision, courage, and a high degree of difficulty, and the final showcased all three.
The final began poorly for Australia when Willcox struggled to land her back-full double full, receiving a score of 64.86 – the second-lowest of the round. This initial setback put immediate pressure on Scott and Flanagan to deliver exceptional performances. Scott, competing second, once again attempted her back-triple full, but was marked down by the judges, earning a score of 95.30. This score effectively diminished Australia’s chances of securing a medal.
Flanagan, making his Olympic debut, concluded the Australian team’s performance with his best-ever competition jump, scoring 95.88. Although a commendable effort, the relatively lower degree of difficulty of his back-double full-full jump wasn’t enough to elevate Australia into medal contention. Australia’s total score of 256.04 fell nearly 25 points short of China’s bronze-medal-winning score of 325.35. The United States claimed gold with 325.35 points, while Switzerland secured silver with 296.91 points, as reported by ABC News.
Willcox’s initial jump proved pivotal, as she over-rotated and failed to stick the landing, mirroring a similar struggle experienced by Swiss competitor Lina Kozomara. Commentator Todd Woodbridge noted the pressure of the moment, stating, “That has thrown a spanner in the works. That is pressure.” Despite the fall, Willcox’s score was still 20.47 points higher than Kozomara’s.
The USA and China quickly established a high standard with scores exceeding 90, intensifying the pressure on Scott. Adapting to changing lighting conditions and increased snowfall, Scott nearly replicated her earlier performance, though her landing was deeper, requiring significant knee bend to maintain balance, resulting in a lower score. This placed Australia seven points behind Switzerland in the standings.
Scott acknowledged the judging, stating, “To get a 120 on the first jump, that was my personal best. A 95 was OK. The landing was deep… but sometimes you just have to take what you get,” according to VIS.org.au.
A mishap by China’s second jumper, Li Tianma, who fell during his landing, briefly raised Australia’s hopes, but Switzerland responded with a strong third jump to secure the bronze medal. Flanagan’s solid jump contributed to Australia’s final score of 256.04.
Despite the near miss, the Australian team demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the competition. Scott’s individual silver medal earlier in the Games remains a highlight for the Australian contingent. The team will undoubtedly analyze their performance and return with refined routines and increased difficulty for future competitions. The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics continue to deliver thrilling moments, and Australia remains a competitive force in the world of winter sports.
Looking ahead, the focus for the Australian aerials team will be on continued training and development, with an eye toward the next Winter Olympics. Scott, Willcox, and Flanagan will likely use this experience to refine their techniques and push the boundaries of the sport. The team’s dedication and perseverance will be crucial as they strive for further success on the international stage.
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