Scott and Woods Chosen as Australian Flag Bearers for 2026 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony

Australian athletes Danielle Scott and Cooper Woods will carry the flag at the 2026 Winter Olympics closing ceremony. This is a big honor after Australia won a record number of medals.
By Newsroom | Sports, Olympics |

Two Australian athletes, Danielle Scott and Cooper Woods, have been chosen to carry the national flag at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games. This honor follows a particularly successful performance by the Australian team, which achieved its best-ever Winter Olympic results. The decision was made by Alisa Camplin, the Australian Chef de Mission, who cited the athletes' achievements and their authentic representation of the nation as key factors in her selection.

The closing ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Arena di Verona on Monday morning AEDT. This event marks the end of Australia's participation in the Games, which have been described as history-making for the nation's winter sports contingent.

A Record-Breaking Winter Games for Australia

Australia's performance at the Milano Cortina Olympics has been highlighted as its most successful Winter Olympic Games to date. The team secured a significant number of medals, with six medallists contributing to this record. Numerous other athletes also delivered impressive performances outside of medal-winning positions.

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  • Danielle Scott achieved a notable success by winning a silver medal in the women's aerials event. This marked her fourth Olympics, and her performance is seen as a significant personal and national achievement.

  • Cooper Woods secured a gold medal in the men's moguls, which was Australia's first medal of the Games. This victory is considered to have defied odds and represents a historic achievement for Australian winter sports.

Selection of Flag Bearers

The role of flag bearer at the closing ceremony is a significant honor, recognizing outstanding athletic achievement and representation of the national team.

  • Alisa Camplin, as Chef de Mission, had a variety of accomplished athletes to choose from for this distinction.

  • The selection of Scott and Woods was based not only on their medal-winning performances but also on their character and ability to authentically represent Australia. Camplin expressed that they "can show Australia that they can be authentic to who they are and be champions."

Previous Flag Bearer Selections

Examining past Olympic closing ceremonies provides context for the criteria and traditions associated with selecting flag bearers.

  • At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, swimmers Kaylee McKeown and sailors Matt Wearn were selected as the Australian flag bearers for the closing ceremony.

  • McKeown was recognized for her exceptional results, including becoming Australia's first four-time individual gold medalist by defending her 100m and 200m backstroke titles. Her character, personality, and charm were also highlighted as reasons for her selection.

  • Wearn was honored for successfully defending his Olympic men's dinghy title, becoming the first sailor to achieve back-to-back victories in that event. His resilience, particularly after recovering from long COVID-19, and his humble demeanor were noted.

  • The Chef de Mission for the Paris Games, Anna Meares, stated that the choice was guided by a combination of performance and character.

  • In contrast to the closing ceremony, the opening ceremony of the Paris Games saw Jess Fox (canoe slalom) and Eddie Ockenden (hockey) as the Australian flag bearers.

Significance of the Flag Bearer Role

The athletes chosen to carry the national flag at the closing ceremony often represent a culmination of the team's journey and achievements during the Games.

  • For Danielle Scott, carrying the flag is described as the "icing on the cake" following a "life-changing week." She views it as a dream come true and a way to further contribute to the special nature of these Games.

  • Cooper Woods is also acknowledged for his contribution to Australia's record-breaking performance, with the naming of flag bearers occurring after the team's most successful Winter Olympic outing.

The selection of flag bearers is a deliberate process that aims to acknowledge significant athletic success while also highlighting the values and spirit of the Australian Olympic team.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who will carry the Australian flag at the 2026 Winter Olympics closing ceremony?
Skier Danielle Scott and mogul skier Cooper Woods have been chosen to carry the Australian flag at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games. This is a great honor for them.
Q: Why were Danielle Scott and Cooper Woods chosen as flag bearers?
They were chosen because of their amazing performances and for showing what it means to be Australian. Scott won a silver medal and Woods won a gold medal, helping Australia achieve its best-ever Winter Olympic results.
Q: When and where is the 2026 Winter Olympics closing ceremony?
The closing ceremony will be held at the Arena di Verona on Monday morning AEDT. This event marks the end of Australia's participation in the Games.
Q: How did Australia perform at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Australia had its most successful Winter Olympic Games ever, winning a record six medals. Many other athletes also performed very well.
Q: What medals did Scott and Woods win at the 2026 Games?
Danielle Scott won a silver medal in the women's aerials event. Cooper Woods won a gold medal in the men's moguls, which was Australia's first medal of the Games.