Aussie superstar Jakara Anthony has bounced back from heartbreak to win a historic gold medal in the women’s dual moguls at the Winter Olympics.
The 27-year-old breezed through the early rounds of the dual moguls in ruthless fashion and then downed three Americans in a row, including beating singles champion and eventual bronze medallist Elizabeth Lemley in the semi-finals.
With skiers racing side by side down the Livigno course and judged on turns, jumps and speed, the Victorian overcame American Jaelin Kauf in the big final to snatch gold.
Judges awarded Anthony the victory, scoring 20 points to 15.
It was Australia’s third gold in Milano-Cortina – the nation’s best ever result at a single Winter Olympics campaign.
Anthony also became first Aussie Winter Olympian to win two gold medals and celebrated afterwards with IOC Member and fellow Aussie Olympic legend Jessica Fox.
‘Man, that’s crazy,’ Anthony told Channel Nine’s Ally Langdon.
‘I think it’s the same as the first one. It’s just never going to sink in.
Jakara Anthony has become Australia’s first ever two-time Olympic gold medallist
The Aussie won gold in the women’s dual moguls three days after she crashed out in the final run in the singles moguls event
Jakara Anthony celebrates with IOC Member and fellow Olympic great Jessica Fox
I’m just riding the high of this one right now. I can’t even think about the fact that I have two (gold medals). This is really special.’
It was the first time the Winter Olympics have held the women’s dual moguls.
Fellow Aussies Charlotte Wilson and Emma Bosco bowed out in the early rounds.
Just three days ago, a devastating fall in the super final ended Anthony’s hopes of winning back-to-back gold medals in the single moguls.
Anthony went into the super final as the final competitor and red-hot favourite to defend her title from Beijing four years ago, before a mid-race stumble left her pondering what may have been.
‘There’s been a lot of tears shed over the last few days,’ Anthony said.
‘It was a real rollercoaster today. The heartbreak the other day in singles was a pretty tough pill to swallow.
‘I’m lucky to be so well-supported and we were able to reset and look forward to what it is we can do in duals.
Jakara Anthony overcame American Jaelin Kauf in the final to snatch gold
Jakara Anthony defeated US moguls stars Jaelin Kauf (left) and Elizabeth Lemley (right) on her way to gold
‘This is actually only my second duals event in about two and a half years because I was out injured all last season and missed a lot of dual events this season.
‘I was rolling with a lot of unknowns heading into this competition and we were able to work out a plan and follow that and roll with the punches a little bit, and we got it done.’
Anthony joins fellow moguls skier Cooper Woods and snowboard cross racer Josie Baff as Olympic champions in Italy while Scotty James won a silver medal in the men’s snowboard halfpipe.