Jakara Anthony has become the sixth Australian to claim gold at the Winter Olympics after triumphing in the women’s moguls.
After qualifying for the finals tonight, Anthony produced top scores in both the final-20 and final-12 events of the women’s moguls, before once again coming out on top in the Super Final to clinch the gold medal.
In a thrilling Super Final, in which she was the last to run in, Anthony edged out American Jaelin Kauf.
READ MORE: ‘Star-struck’ Aussie falls short after epic finish
READ MORE: The big questions hanging over Australian cricket
The 23-year-old saved her best for last and was rewarded with a score of 83.09 to earn Australia’s first gold medal since the 2010 Vancouver Games.
Kauf claimed the silver medal with a score of 80.28, while bronze went to Russian Anastasiia Smirnova (77.72).
https://twitter.com/scottyjames31/status/1490311190123216903
“It’s really incredible to know that all the hard work that I have been putting into my whole skiing career is really paying off,” Anthony said after winning gold.
“I’m just lost for words… It is a real testament to myself and the team around me in the last four years.
“Really solid processes to follow. It really hasn’t been easy. I think that I am a much better athlete and person because of it. I think that is the best thing that has come out of this.”
Anthony’s back flip with a grab at the bottom sewed up the gold medal on the Secret Garden Olympic ski course. She joins Dale Begg-Smith as one of only two Aussies to win the Olympic moguls event. Begg-Smith earned his title at the 2006 Turin Games.
Anthony during her runs from qualification to the finals only produced scores of 80 or more.
It was the first time Australia earned two medals in one day at the Winter Games.
Snowboarder Tess Coady claimed bronze in the women’s snowboard slopestyle final earlier.
– with AP
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!