Australian Aerials Team Narrowly Misses Podium in Thrilling Mixed Team Final
The Australian mixed aerials team, comprising Abbey Willcox, Danielle Scott, and Reilly Flanagan, delivered a stunning performance at the Winter Olympics but fell agonisingly short of a medal, finishing in fourth place. The trio, competing in Livigno, showcased exceptional skill and determination, yet ultimately missed the podium by a mere 23.64 points.
Danielle Scott's Stellar Performance Leads Australian Charge
Danielle Scott, who earlier won a silver medal in the individual aerials event, produced a lifetime best run in the mixed team final, scoring an impressive 120.20 points. This score not only surpassed her individual final performance of 117.19 but also outshone all other female competitors in the competition, being bettered only by three male athletes.
"That was pretty special," Scott remarked after her run. "I just wanted to put everything out there again and do the best for this team. I was way more nervous." Her leadership and high-scoring efforts were pivotal in pushing the Australian team into contention during the finals.
Team Dynamics and Scoring Challenges
The Australian team was unique as the only lineup featuring two women and one man, which presented a scoring disadvantage. Male aerials flyers typically attempt tricks with higher degrees of difficulty, often resulting in higher scores compared to their female counterparts. Despite this, the trio surprised many by qualifying third and maintaining a strong position throughout the competition.
Reilly Flanagan elevated his performance in the final, achieving a personal best of 95.88 points on his last run. Combined with Scott's 95.30 and Willcox's 64.86, the team's total score reached 256.04. However, this was not enough to secure a medal, leaving the team reflecting on what might have been.
"To be in a final at the Olympics is huge for us, we really put everything on the line ... I'm just proud of these guys," Scott expressed, while Flanagan described his run as "the best feeling in my life."
Medal Standings and Team Resilience
The United States team dominated the event, claiming gold with a score of 325.35, followed by Switzerland with silver at 296.91 and China with bronze at 279.68. Australia's score of 289.04 from their opening run would have secured bronze if replicated, highlighting the fine margins in elite competition.
The team also faced the absence of double world champion Laura Peel, who sustained a knee injury during a pre-Games training camp. Despite this setback, Scott remained optimistic about the future, stating, "We'll come back stronger, we'll have more DD (degree of difficulty in the jumps) and hopefully some more guys on the team if anyone's interested!"
Indra Brown's Delayed Final and Other Australian Results
As the Australian team's most successful Winter Games nears its conclusion, there remains hope for an additional medal. Teenager Indra Brown, aiming to become Australia's youngest ever Winter Olympics medallist at just 16 years old, saw her freeski halfpipe final postponed due to heavy snowfall in Livigno. The event has been rescheduled for the final morning of competition, where Brown will face strong competition, including China's superstar Eileen Gu.
In other events, Australian sledder Bree Walker finished 10th in the two-women bob alongside brakewoman Kiara Reddingius, while German monobob champion Laura Nolte successfully defended her title with Deborah Levi. Additionally, Seve de Campo placed 41st in the cross-country skiing 50km classic, trailing behind Norwegian legend Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, who made history by becoming the first Winter Olympian to win six gold medals in a single Games.
Closing Ceremony Honors and Team Spirit
Danielle Scott has been named a flag-bearer for the closing ceremony, alongside moguls gold medallist Cooper Woods, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the Australian team. This honor underscores the resilience and camaraderie that have defined Australia's campaign at the Winter Olympics, as athletes continue to push boundaries and inspire future generations.
