Anthony, Horishima take Waterville win to ride form into Olympics
Jan 16, 2026·Freestyle)
With just weeks to go before the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympic Winter Games, some athletes might opt to take their foot off the pedal.
In the case of reigning Olympic champion Jakara Anthony (AUS), it is just another chance to showcase her consistency, quality and perhaps most of all, momentum.
The 27-year-old continued a stellar season so far by winning the final World Cup event before the Olympics, cruising to Moguls victory at the Waterville Valley Resort.
A speedy, clean run that included a cork 7 and backflip mute grab led to a score of 81.17 and a 26th World Cup win overall.
It also made Anthony the most successful Australian freestyle skier of all time, surpassing legendary Aerials skier Jacqui Cooper (AUS) and her 25 World Cup wins.
She was the only female Moguls skier on the day to break the 80-point barrier.
“I guess I have a good track record here now,” said Anthony, who was a double winner in Waterville last season.
“It’s a nice place to leave the World Cup season on hold until the next one,” added Anthony, as she gears up to defend her Olympic title in Livigno next month.
The US team, arguably the squad that has shown the most depth and quality all season, continued their fine form by completing the women’s podium.
This time, it was Elizabeth Lemley (USA) who was second with 78.12, followed by Olivia Giaccio (USA) with 76.60.
After missing the 2024/25 season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, Lemley has now posted her second straight podium this season. It was also the 19-year-old’s first World Cup podium at home.
Also notable is the form Giaccio is taking into Milan-Cortina, having finished on the podium at every Moguls event she contested so far this season.
In the men’s field, Ikuma Horishima opted for safety in icy conditions, choosing to keep the cork 1440 in his pocket. Still, a cork 1080 off the bottom air was more than sufficient to lift him to a score of 85.56 points and first place.
Filip Gravenfors (SWE) took second spot with 80.54 points, while Shota Hirayama (JPN) earned his first World Cup podium in third place with 79.47 points.
Said Horishima: “I was a little bit nervous for the finals. These were very tough conditions. I couldn’t do a double full in the top air.”
Taking his 24th career World Cup win, however, was an unusually challenging experience for the reigning world champion, as his finish would affect his teammates’ Olympic qualification.
He said: “It was very emotional. How I skied would decide who would go to the Olympics, so it was very tough for me.
The World Cup season will now break for the 6-22 February Olympic Winter Games. Moguls and Aerials competitions will take place in Livigno.
QUICK LINKS
Waterville Valley World Cup FIS data page (start lists, results, etc)
