Six Months On: Kyra Wheatley’s Olympic debut just the beginning

Six months on from making her Olympic debut at Milano Cortina 2026, Australian ski cross athlete Kyra Wheatley is still processing the experience of competing on the world’s biggest winter sporting stage.

The 22-year-old from Sydney finished 25th in the Women’s Ski Cross competition, qualifying 23rd before placing fourth in her Round of 32 heat in Livigno. While the result marked an important milestone in her career, Wheatley admits the significance of becoming an Olympian is something she is still coming to terms with.

“I’m still trying to figure out how to do everything,” Wheatley said. 

“It still hasn’t hit me yet that I actually went. It was such an amazing experience, but I don’t think I realised it’s the actual Olympics, the pinnacle of your racing career.”

Now, with a new four-year Olympic cycle underway, Wheatley is returning to the fundamentals as she builds towards her next chapter.

“For now, I’m just starting the new four-year cycle, ready for the next Games,” she said.

“We are going back to basics and working my way back up, so I know I’m fully strong and ready for the next Olympics.”

Born and raised on Sydney’s North Shore, Wheatley first clicked into skis at just three years old during a family trip to New York with her dad. A long-time member of the Perisher Winter Sports Club, she grew up embracing the Australian ski community while developing a love for the speed, jumps and competition of ski cross.

Her next major target is the 2027 World Championships in Montafon, Austria, but for Wheatley, the priority is building a strong foundation for the seasons ahead.

“World Champs is next year in Montafon, Austria, so I’m hoping to make it there, and that would be amazing,” she said. 

“But the goal is to make sure my body feels really strong and ready for the future seasons.”

That motivation is captured in a small but meaningful Olympic rings tattoo on the inside of Wheatley’s arm, a symbol she got for herself as a reminder of what she has achieved and an extra source of motivation through the early mornings, training and challenges ahead. And as she looks ahead, Wheatley continues to draw inspiration from a simple piece of advice.

“If you don’t go to the edge, you’ll never see the view.”

Six months after making her Olympic debut, Wheatley is ready to keep pushing towards the edge, and see where the next four years can take her. 

Image Credit: AOC