Reintroducing the Australian National Ski Cross Team ahead of the Val Thorens World Cup

The Australian National Ski Cross Team is set to kick off the 2025/26 World Cup season in Val Thorens, France from December 9-12, with a strong duo leading the charge. 

Kyra Wheatley and Liam Michael will be the first Australians to hit the start gate this season, representing the nation on the world stage as the team begins its Olympic qualification campaign.

The National Ski Cross Team also includes Emerson Facer and Duncan Cowan, who will join competition later in the season. While the full squad will build momentum in the months ahead, it will be Liam and Kyra who carry Australia’s hopes at this first World Cup.

“Being part of the National Ski Cross Team means a lot to me,” Wheatley said. 

“It’s something I’ve worked towards for years, and representing Australia on the world stage is always a privilege. Our pathway isn’t the easiest, so being here feels like a combination of hard work, resilience, and genuine love for the sport. 

“I’m proud to be part of a team where all the athletes are building momentum and pushing the standard of Ski Cross in Australia.

“I am really excited for Val Thorens. Pre-season has been a huge effort, and even with the usual challenges that come with being an Australian athlete overseas, the preparation has been strong. 

“I’ve been focusing on consistency, speed, and rebuilding confidence after last season’s injuries. I’m feeling ready to race, though a bit nervous, and I’m looking forward to seeing where I stack up this early in the season.

“Anytime an Olympic season starts to get close, everything lifts - the intensity, the depth, and the pressure. Athletes are fighting for quota spots and qualification points, so the field becomes even more competitive. 

“For me, it’s motivating. The Olympics give everyone something bigger to chase, and the energy on the circuit becomes electric and intense.

“I’m excited to keep building momentum and to put down skiing that truly reflects the work I’ve put in. This season is a fresh start for me, and I’m looking forward to racing confidently, learning from every start gate, and pushing further up the rankings. It will be good fun to be able to get on the Ski Cross courses that I have only ever seen on TV.”

For Liam Michael, the season opener also represents a chance to showcase the progress made over a demanding pre-season and measure himself against the world’s best on a new course.

“It definitely means a lot and gives me a little more purpose to do what I do,” Michael said.

“It was always a dream when I was a young kid to make the national team and represent Australia. It is always a nice reminder when you put on the AUS uniform that you are at that level and another layer on top of that is I think it mentally gives me more motivation to push down the course knowing I am representing the country. 

“I am feeling good, I think the preparation has been really good. We have spent some time in Pitztal and St Moritz for pre-season and for me the focus has been on finding the speed again and testing out equipment. 

“The race will be in Val Thorens, France, so it is a track I haven't skied before so I am excited about skiing a new course but also eager to quickly find the confidence in the skiing so I can really attack it with everything. 

“I think that the intensity will be really high and that everyone will be keen to bring their best skiing straight away. Everyone is more or less fighting for Olympic spots and when the gate drops there are no friends so it is going to be really exciting and thrilling to watch. 

“I get excited about a lot of things when it comes to Ski Cross racing. Definitely going as fast as I possibly can and seeing where I can improve are both big ones. I think ski racing is a bit of a long game where each season you address weaknesses and work on them over the summer months. 

“I have put in a lot of work this summer focusing on what I can improve and now it is about going out and executing, so in a way I would say I am most excited to see the progress of my skiing.”  

Snow Australia congratulates the athletes selected and looks forward to watching their 2025/26 season unfold.

B Team

• Liam Michael

• Kyra Wheatley

D Team

• Emerson Facer

• Duncan Cowan