Tess Coady Secures Spot in Snowboard Big Air Final at 2026 Olympics
In a display of precision and poise under pressure, Australian snowboarder Tess Coady has advanced to the women's big air final at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. The 24-year-old from New South Wales, fresh off her bronze medal in slopestyle at the Beijing 2022 Games, clinched the 12th and final qualifying spot in a nail-biting qualification round at Livigno. Joining her in the finals is fellow Aussie Meila Stalker, who finished sixth, while compatriot Ally Hickman narrowly missed out, placing 15th.
The Qualification Drama Unfolds
The women's snowboard big air qualification kicked off early Sunday morning AEDT, with Coady entering as one of Australia's top hopes in the freestyle discipline. Big air, a relatively new Olympic event since its debut in 2018, challenges athletes to launch off a massive 22-meter jump and perform gravity-defying tricks before landing smoothly. Scores are based on amplitude, difficulty, and execution, making every run a high-stakes gamble.
Coady, known for her technical flair and fearless style, delivered two solid runs that kept her in contention. Her final score held steady in 12th place as the last competitors faltered, including Belgium's Sky Remans who crashed on a frontside 1080 attempt. The tension was palpable; with just minutes left, Coady hung on by the slimmest margin. 'It's all about staying composed when it counts,' Coady said post-qualification, reflecting on the nervy finish. Stalker, a rising 20-year-old talent from Victoria, impressed with consistent airs, securing her spot comfortably and marking a strong debut Olympic showing.
Hickman, competing in her first Olympics, showed promise with soaring jumps but couldn't accumulate enough points in the decisive round. Her performance, however, signals bright prospects for Australia's depth in snowboarding. The qualification round highlighted the event's brutality—American standout Jess Perlmutter stunned the crowd with an attempted 'double sloth roll,' a rare double front flip variation, but unfortunately belly-flopped on landing.
Tess Coady's Path to Olympic Stardom
From Beijing Bronze to Cortina Contender
Coady's journey to the 2026 Olympics is a testament to resilience. At 20, she etched her name in history by winning bronze in women's slopestyle at Beijing 2022, Australia's first medal in the event. That podium finish came after overcoming a season plagued by injuries, including a knee reconstruction that sidelined her for months. 'Snowboarding saved me during tough times,' Coady shared in a pre-Olympics interview with Everythiiing.com. Her signature tricks, like the cab double underflip and switch method grab, have become staples in her arsenal.
Post-Beijing, Coady dominated the World Cup circuit, racking up multiple podiums in big air and slopestyle. Training at Perisher in the Snowy Mountains, she honed her skills under the guidance of coach James 'Willy' Willcox. The 2026 season has seen her adapt to big air's unique demands, focusing on bigger airs and cleaner landings. 'Big air is like slopestyle on steroids—everything's amplified,' she explained. Her qualification score of around 80 points (exact figures pending official confirmation) positions her as a dark horse for the podium, especially with favorites like Japan's Miyabi Onitsuka facing stiff competition.
Australian Snowboarding's Golden Era
Coady's advancement underscores Australia's growing prowess in winter sports. The nation, traditionally a summer powerhouse, has invested heavily in snowboarding programs through the Australian Institute of Sport. Stalker's qualification adds to the excitement; at just 20, she's already a World Cup medalist and brings youthful energy to the team. Earlier in the day, other Aussies shone: Queensland's Alex Ferlazzo advanced to the men's luge final round in 18th place, while cross-country skiers Seve de Campo and Hugo Hinckfuss competed valiantly, finishing 56th and 57th in the skiathlon despite the grueling 20km course won by Norway's Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo.
The broader Olympic narrative includes heartbreak elsewhere, like U.S. legend Lindsey Vonn's shocking crash in the women's downhill. The 41-year-old, racing with a torn ACL, tumbled just 12 seconds into her run, fracturing her leg and requiring helicopter evacuation. The crowd fell silent, a stark reminder of the sport's risks. Vonn underwent surgery hours later, but her resilience inspires athletes like Coady.
What's Next for Coady and Team Australia
The big air final is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, AEDT, promising more aerial acrobatics under the Italian Dolomites' spotlight. Coady will need to elevate her game, targeting tricks with higher difficulty to challenge the top seeds. Analysts predict a tight field, with scores potentially reaching 90+ for gold. For Australian fans, this event represents a chance to build on Beijing's five-medal haul and aim for more winter glory.
Beyond the slopes, Coady's off-snow advocacy for mental health in elite sports resonates deeply. She's partnered with beyondblue to support young athletes, drawing from her own battles with anxiety. As the Olympics progress, expect Coady to not just compete but inspire a new generation of Aussie shredders.
Stay tuned to Everythiiing.com for live updates, expert analysis, and exclusive interviews from Cortina. Who will claim big air gold? With Coady in the mix, Australia's hopes are sky-high.
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