As the world turns its attention to Milano–Cortina for the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) proudly celebrate five outstanding alumni who have earned their place on sport’s biggest stage. Their journeys, from regional communities through academy programs and onto global competition showcase the strength of the RAS pathway in nurturing talent, providing high‑performance opportunities, and supporting athletes from the earliest stages of their development.
Olympic Representatives
Abbey Wilcox - Aerial Skiing
Central Coast Academy of Sport: Abbey Willcox enters the 2026 Winter Olympics as a world‑class aerial skier, having secured multiple World Cup podiums and playing a key role in Australia’s historic aerial skiing mixed‑team medal in 2025. Her rise from the NSW Central Coast to the world stage is a testament to perseverance and strong foundational support.
Matt Graham - Moguls
Central Coast Academy of Sport: A returning Olympic medallist and one of Australia’s most experienced Winter Olympians, Matt Graham continues to be a pillar of the moguls discipline. He enters Milano–Cortina as part of Australia’s second largest Winter Olympic team in history and one of its strongest medal hopes.
Paralympic Representatives
Lauren Parker - Para Cross-Country Skiing
Hunter Academy of Sport: Already one of Australia’s most decorated Paralympians, Lauren Parker has undertaken a remarkable transition from summer to winter sport. After her gold laden Paris 2024 campaign, Parker is now making her Winter Paralympic debut in Para cross country skiing, despite first stepping onto snow only in mid 2025. Her journey from the Hunter region to dual sport Paralympian reflects HAS’ commitment to empowering athletes through adaptability, resilience, and multidisciplinary development.
Josh Hanlon – Para Alpine Skiing
Southern Sports Academy: Josh Hanlon’s rise in Para alpine skiing has been meteoric. An above knee amputee and former GWS Academy footballer, he has transformed into one of Australia’s top sit ski athletes, earning multiple World Cup podiums and establishing himself as a strong contender for the 2026 Paralympics. The Southern Sports Academy played a vital role in supporting his transition into elite parasport, strengthening his athletic foundation and providing development opportunities that helped launch his international career.
Liana France – Para Alpine Skiing
Southern Sports Academy: 16 year old Liana France represents the new wave of Australian Para alpine talent. Rising from Falls Creek race programs to the national Emerging Talent Program, France is now poised to make her Paralympic debut in slalom and giant slalom at Milano–Cortina. Her pathway from regional Victoria through SSA demonstrates the importance of early technical development and supportive athlete environments in building future champions.
The achievements of Abbey, Matt, Lauren, Josh, and Liana highlight the powerful role RAS plays in the Australian sporting ecosystem. Across Australia, regional academies provide:
- Skill development and pathway clarity for young athletes
- High‑quality coaching, strength and conditioning, and performance workshops
- Education programs in nutrition, wellbeing, mental skills, and leadership
- Community‑driven support networks that champion athletes from grassroots to global competition
These five alumni, now Olympic and Paralympic representatives, underscore how regional pathways can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Their stories inspire the next generation of athletes training within RAS programs today.
