The Australian Olympic Committee has finalized its Winter Olympics team by selecting three alpine skiers: Phoebe Heaydon, Madison Hoffman, and Harry Laidlaw. This announcement, delayed by an appeal, completes the 53-strong contingent for the Milano Cortina Games starting next month. The athletes bring stories of resilience after overcoming major injuries.
The selection of Phoebe Heaydon, Madison Hoffman, and Harry Laidlaw as Australia's alpine skiing representatives for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics was revealed on January 26, following the resolution of an appeal within the alpine racing community. This completes the nation's 53-athlete team, with quota places for two women and one man in the discipline already secured.
Heaydon and Hoffman, both making their Olympic debuts, will compete in the slalom and giant slalom events. The 20-year-old Heaydon, who recently debuted on the World Cup circuit, draws inspiration from Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri's composure under pressure. "I’m so excited to get to my first Games but it is vital that I remain focused to ensure that I deliver my best performance," she said. Hoffman, 25, from Sydney, celebrates this milestone after a double-knee reconstruction and an ACL injury that sidelined her just before the Beijing 2022 Games. "Well this feels extra special… a year ago I was celebrating my first steps off crutches and today I found out I'm off [to] the Olympics!!" she posted on Instagram.
Harry Laidlaw, a PyeongChang 2018 Olympian, returns after eight years to contest the giant slalom. His path included an ACL rupture preventing Beijing participation and back surgery in 2024. "To be named part of the Australia Olympic Team is a true honour, and our Alpine team has such a long and amazing history," Laidlaw stated. Australian Chef de Mission Alisa Camplin praised their determination: "Harry has waited eight long years... Madi has come back from the heartbreak of injury at Beijing 2022 and a double knee reconstruction. These are truly inspiring stories."
The Milano Cortina Games open on February 6. Men's alpine events will occur at Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio, with the giant slalom on February 14. Women's events are at Tofane Centre in Cortina d’Ampezzo, with giant slalom on February 15 and slalom on February 18. Both Heaydon and Hoffman train in the United States, balancing studies and racing careers.
