Wheatley hungry for more after Olympic debut

Kyra Wheatley has made a spirited Olympic debut in the Women’s Ski Cross, finishing 25th and walking away hungry for more.

Wheatley placed 23rd in seeding and drew a tough Round of 32 bracket, lining up against two top10 athletes — Italian favourite Jole Galli and Austria’s Katrin Ofner. Despite keeping tight pace with the field and pushing for an overtake on Czechia’s Diana Cholenská, Wheatley crossed the line fourth in her 1/8 final. 

The 22-year-old Sydneysider said stepping into the Olympic start gate was “a massive thrill.” 

“My heart was just everywhere. I could feel it in my fingers and toes in the start gate,” she said. 

Her near-pass on Cholenská was one of the highlights of her race, and Wheatley said she hopes the overtake will be hers in the future. 

“I’m a little disappointed. I knew I could have got it, but I guess it’s just the experience that maybe I’ll gain later in this field that will help me get the overtake. When you’re cutthroat with the other person right next to you and you’re like, ‘who’s gonna make a move here?’, I guess it’s the not knowing that’s fun.” 

While she had hoped to progress further into the finals, Australia’s sole Ski Cross athlete said the experience she gained at her debut Olympics – racing athletes competing at their fourth and fifth Games – will be invaluable as she builds her career. 

“The experience that I’ve gained here has just been invaluable,” Wheatley said. 

“I hope I can just bring that into my next World Cups and hopefully next few Olympics… I’m hoping for at least a few more and then to be able to bring that experience into play and come out with a better result.” 

Wheatley had a huge fan club at the bottom of the course cheering her on – her family and friends from Australia, as well as many of the Australian Olympic Team Mogul athletes who came out to support their teammate. 

“The little village I have around me is, I think, one of the best in the biz. It’s so amazing.” 

Germany’s Daniela Maier claimed gold in the event, her first Olympic medal. Switzerland’s Fanny Smith upgraded her 2018 and 2022 bronze medals to silver, while defending Olympic champion Sandra Naeslund (SWE) secured bronze.

Australian Olympic Committee