The Winter Olympics are always a source of inspiring stories, but one tale from the past is captivating a new audience thanks to Australia’s current success at the Milano-Cortina Games. Videos of Steven Bradbury’s improbable gold medal win in the 1000m short track speed skating at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics are going viral, reminding viewers of one of the most extraordinary moments in Olympic history. This resurgence comes as Australia enjoys its best-ever Winter Olympics performance, fueled by recent gold medals in moguls and snowboard cross.
Australia’s strong showing – with gold medals from Jakara Anthony, Cooper Woods, and Josie Baff, alongside silver for Scotty James and bronze for Matt Graham – has sparked renewed interest in the nation’s winter sports prowess. The unexpected success has prompted many to look back at the country’s first Winter Olympic gold, a victory that has become a national symbol of perseverance and seizing opportunity. The story of Steven Bradbury, and the unique circumstances surrounding his win, is resonating with a new generation of sports fans.
Bradbury’s victory wasn’t a straightforward triumph of athletic dominance. Instead, it unfolded in dramatic fashion during the final lap of the 1000m race. With Bradbury trailing the pack, a chain reaction of falls eliminated all four skaters ahead of him, leaving him to cross the finish line and claim the gold medal. The moment, dubbed ‘Doing a Bradbury’ in Australia, has become synonymous with unexpected success achieved through a combination of luck and resilience. The event is now being re-shared widely on social media, introducing the story to a new audience.
However, the narrative of pure luck is being challenged, with many highlighting the years of dedication and hardship Bradbury endured before his Olympic moment. Charlotte Clymer, a prominent voice on X (formerly Twitter), pointed out the depth of Bradbury’s story, stating, “It annoys me that so many people are under the impression that this guy, Steven Bradbury, is some subpar goober who lucked his way into gold. That could not be further from the truth.”
It annoys me that so many people are under the impression that this guy, Steven Bradbury, is some subpar goober who lucked his way into gold. That could not be further from the truth. This is one of the most satisfying victories in the history of the Olympics if you know the full backstory. pic.twitter.com/q9q9q9q9q9
&mdash. Charlotte Clymer 🏳️🌈 (@charlotteclymer) February 14, 2026
Clymer detailed Bradbury’s previous Olympic experiences, noting he was a legitimate contender in 1994 but was impeded by an illegal push from an opponent. He also suffered a crash in 1998 and faced numerous injuries that led doctors to advise him to retire from the sport. Despite these setbacks, Bradbury devised a strategy in 2002 to stay at the back of the pack, conserving energy and positioning himself to capitalize on any potential mishaps. “This victory was not some un-athletic schlub lucking his way into gold,” Clymer continued. “It was a journeyman athlete who never gave up and played smart after a career of shitty luck and finally got his due after it being snatched away from him so many times.”
A Career Defined by Resilience
Bradbury’s path to Olympic gold was far from easy. He faced significant adversity throughout his career, including the aforementioned injuries and unfair rulings. His strategic shift in 2002, to remain behind the leaders and avoid the chaos of the front, was a calculated risk born from years of experience and a deep understanding of the sport. This tactical approach, combined with the extraordinary circumstances of the final lap, ultimately led to his historic victory.
Australia’s Current Olympic Success
The renewed attention on Bradbury’s win coincides with a period of unprecedented success for Australia at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. As of February 19, 2026, Australia has secured three gold medals – Jakara Anthony in dual moguls, Cooper Woods in moguls, and Josie Baff in snowboard cross – along with a silver medal for Scotty James in half-pipe and a bronze for Matt Graham in dual moguls. This performance has placed Australia above nations like Great Britain and China on the medal tally, although Canada has recently overtaken them.
The success of Australian athletes in snow and ice sports continues to surprise many, given the country’s warmer climate. However, the dedication of these athletes, combined with strong training programs and a growing passion for winter sports, is proving that Australia can compete with the best in the world.
The story of Steven Bradbury serves as a powerful reminder that success is often earned through perseverance, strategic thinking, and the ability to capitalize on unexpected opportunities. As Australia continues to produce its mark on the Milano-Cortina Games, Bradbury’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of winter sports athletes.
The Milano-Cortina Games continue, and Australia’s athletes are poised to add to their medal count. The coming days will reveal whether this remarkable run of success can be sustained, and what further chapters will be added to Australia’s growing winter sports history. Share your thoughts on Bradbury’s incredible story and Australia’s Olympic performance in the comments below.