Martin Pegan

Defensive frailties and missed chances put Matildas on rocky Asian Cup road Australia’s 3-3 draw with South Korea means they finish second in Group A and must travel to Perth for their quarter-final The Matildas have rarely, if ever, taken the simplest path towards the silverware that has eluded what is widely claimed to be a golden generation. Now they will have to navigate a longer and bumpier road than hoped via a quarter-final and, if they progress further, semi-final (both played in Perth) to reach the decider of the Women’s Asian Cup back in Sydney. This time they will also shoulder a heavier load from the baggage of again squandering a host of chances and failing to beat their continental nemesis, South Korea, on Sunday night. As Alanna Kennedy showed with an equaliser slammed home deep into stoppage time, though, the Matildas might have their frailties but can be relied on to keep pushing even – or especially – when their backs are to the wall. Continue reading...

Defensive frailties and missed chances put Matildas on rocky Asian Cup road

Australia v India: second women’s one-day cricket international – live Over-by-over report: Can Australia back up their win in the opening ODI when the two sides meet again in Hobart? Find out with our writers

Australia will bowl first as the second women’s ODI against India gets under way in Hobart with the #AUSvIND series all square. Join me for the @australia.theguardian.com live blog
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Australia v India: second women’s one-day cricket international – live * Updates from the match at Bellerive Oval in Hobart * Play starts at 2.50pm AEDT/9.20am IST * Any thoughts? Get in touch with an email India: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Kashvee Gautam, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Renuka Singh Vaishnavi Sharma is handed an ODI debut while Harmanpreet Kaur says Shafali Verma has been “rested”. The India skipper was not able to field in the ODI in Brisbane just three days ago but is confident she has shaken off a “niggle” with her left knee. Continue reading...

Australia v India: second women’s one-day cricket international – live

From Women’s World Cup euphoria to Olympic despair: how did the Matildas get here? The 2023 tournament was a defining moment in Australian football but there have been more troughs than peaks on the way to a home Asian Cup The Matildas captured the hearts and minds of the nation as Australia co-hosted the 2023 Women’s World Cup. But it has been anything but smooth sailing for the national team since then. With a second showpiece tournament on home soil in less than three years beginning on Sunday when the Matildas meet the Philippines in Perth, here are the highs and many lows that the hosts have navigated on their path to the Women’s Asian Cup. Continue reading...

From Women’s World Cup euphoria to Olympic despair: how did the Matildas get here?

Australia’s Winter Olympians ride waves of emotion after Games | Martin Pegan Highs and lows of life are heightened for athletes after what may be the pinnacle of their career – whether they medal or not

What comes next for Australia’s Olympic team after the highs and lows of the Winter Games?

“The Olympics is obviously the pinnacle of every athlete’s sporting career. But it can’t be the be-all and end-all.”
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Australia’s Winter Olympians ride waves of emotion after Games | Martin Pegan Highs and lows of life are heightened for athletes after what may be the pinnacle of their career – whether they medal or not Snowboard star and three-time Olympic medallist Scotty James is still riding a wave of emotion. Australia’s most decorated winter athlete has been coming to terms with narrowly missing out on the elusive gold that would have completed his set of medals in the halfpipe. “After a week of reflection, I’ve felt all of it,” he said in a raw social media post. “The pride. The gratitude. The disbelief. And yeah … the anger too. I’ve replayed it in my head more times than I’d like to admit. One run. A couple of small moments that separate gold from silver at the Olympic Games. It’s wild how something so big can come down to something so small.” Continue reading...

Australia’s Winter Olympians ride waves of emotion after Games | Martin Pegan

Australia’s youngest Winter Olympian Indra Brown: ‘I just love the feeling of flying’ | Martin Pegan Having seemingly come from nowhere to become the No 1-ranked freestyle skier in a matter of months, the 16-year-old finds herself among the medal favourites at Milano Cortina

Australia teen Indra Brown to compete for a freeski halfpipe medal at Sun 8:40pm AEDT after the #WinterOlympics final was postponed for the best possible reason (dumping snow!).

“I just love the feeling of flying and the airtime you get”

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Matildas gamble on Mary Fowler’s fitness as Women’s Asian Cup squad named * Sam Kerr among 26 players selected but injured Charli Grant misses out * Australia open tournament against Philippines in Perth on 1 March The Matildas have backed Mary Fowler to return to fitness for the Women’s Asian Cup despite the star attacker playing just 15 minutes since returning from a serious knee injury. Australia head coach Joe Montemurro selected Fowler among 26 players for the tournament on home soil despite her falling well short of the three 90-minute matches he said in November that he hoped she would have played before the squad was named. Continue reading...

Matildas gamble on Mary Fowler’s fitness as Women’s Asian Cup squad named

‘Even more special’: Jakara Anthony dusts off Winter Olympics heartbreak for historic triumph Freestyle skier becomes Australia’s first two-time Winter Games gold medallist with victory in dual moguls Olympic debut just days after shock defeat

Jakara Anthony bounced back from a crushing low to historic triumph inside 72 hours. And it was little surprise to anyone who follows snow sports
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‘Even more special’: Jakara Anthony dusts off Winter Olympics heartbreak with historic triumph * World No 1 is Australia’s first two-time Winter Games gold medallist * Skiing great wins first dual moguls Olympic event after singles defeat Jakara Anthony has rediscovered her Midas touch, after the world No 1 moguls skier dusted off brutal “heartbreak” at Milano Cortina to climb back to the top dais at the Winter Games. The Australian has known little but success since claiming an Olympic gold medal four years ago, setting a national record for World Cup skiing victories as she twisted and turned to the top of the sport. But the team’s co-flag bearer had to learn a crushing lesson in overcoming adversity after an uncharacteristic slide off course cost her a medal in the single moguls event. Continue reading...

‘Even more special’: Jakara Anthony dusts off Winter Olympics heartbreak with historic triumph

Destanee Aiava calls out ‘racist’ tennis culture in explosive retirement post * Australian hits out at online trolls who have targeted her appearance * Former prodigy to call time on professional career at end of 2026 Australia’s Destanee Aiava has announced her plans to retire from professional tennis in a scathing and expletive-laden statement on social media. The 25-year-old hit out at a tennis culture she said was “racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile to anyone who doesn’t fit the mould”, as she revealed plans to call time on her playing career at the end of 2026. Continue reading...

Destanee Aiava calls out ‘racist’ tennis culture in explosive retirement post

Australia’s Jakara Anthony clinches first ever dual moguls Olympics gold * Victorian makes history with second career gold medal * Fourth medal is nation’s biggest haul at a Winter Games Jakara Anthony has won her second career gold medal and Australia’s third of the Milano Cortina Games, clinching the first ever dual moguls Olympics title. The 27-year-old Anthony entered the new event to the Olympic program with steely determination after failing to defend her Beijing title in the regular event when she lost her footing in the medals round. Continue reading...

Australia’s Jakara Anthony clinches first ever dual moguls Olympics gold

Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign on brink of collapse after shock defeat to Zimbabwe * Group B: Zimbabwe 169-2 bt Australia 146 by 23 runs * Renshaw half-century in vain as Muzarabani claims four wickets Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign is threatening to implode after suffering a shock 23-run loss to Zimbabwe in Colombo. Set 170 runs for victory after winning the toss, Australia slumped to a dismal 29 for 4 inside the powerplay and gave Zimbabwe, 11th on the ICC rankings, reason to dream. Continue reading...

Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign on brink of collapse after shock defeat to Zimbabwe

Australia stunned by Zimbabwe with 23-run defeat at T20 World Cup * Matthew Renshaw top scored with 65 as batters fall short * Superb bowling and fielding by underdogs Australia’s Twenty20 World Cup campaign is threatening to implode after suffering a shock 23-run loss to Zimbabwe in Colombo. Set 170 runs for victory after winning the toss, Australia slumped to a dismal 4-29 inside the powerplay and gave Zimbabwe, 11th on the ICC rankings, reason to dream. Continue reading...

Australia stunned by Zimbabwe with 23-run defeat at T20 World Cup

Join me and @australia.theguardian.com as Australia call for a trademark Maxwell Miracle after Zimbabwe set a 170-run target then rip through the top order #T20WorldCup

Australian snowboarder Cam Bolton airlifted to hospital after breaking neck at Winter Olympics * Veteran sustains serious injury during Winter Olympics training * Athlete in good spirits says chef de mission Alisa Camplin Australia’s Olympic team has been rocked with Cam Bolton airlifted to Milan after breaking his neck in training, ending the veteran snowboarder’s Winter Games campaign. Competing at his fourth Olympics, the 35-year-old suffered a crash on Monday while training for the snowboard cross event but woke up with worsening pain in his neck the following day. Continue reading...

Australian snowboarder Cam Bolton airlifted to hospital after breaking neck at Winter Olympics

From the Pocket: AFL Origin fills the February void this year but then what? Want to get this in your inbox every Wednesday afternoon? Sign up for the AFL newsletter here The AFL’s state of origin game has come with a marketing blitz, a lobster charter off Rottnest Island, some champions saying all the right things and vague and fading memories of the concept’s glory years. There’s a dearth of sporting offerings at this time of year. The T20 World Cup, the fourth in five years, is too bloated and too politically riven to really capture our attention. Watching some begoggled Finn pelting down a mountain at 120kmph has a certain ghoulish appeal, but it’s not exactly in the Australian sporting marrow. Continue reading...

From the Pocket: AFL Origin fills the February void this year but then what?

T20 World Cup fatigue hits Australia amid concern over injuries and form | Martin Pegan As Australia head into the fourth men’s tournament in less than four-and-a-half years there are questions about how much it means to players and fans Alarm bells are ringing for Australia heading into the T20 World Cup. Form, fitness and signs that the men’s side is falling behind the big-hitting leading nations in the format are mounting concerns. But whether supporters beyond the most ardent fans can hear them – or choose to be stirred enough to tune in – is set to be tested. The tournament in India and Sri Lanka will be played out of sight and out of mind for many in Australia, while even the keenest cricket tragics must be feeling the effects of T20 World Cup fatigue. Amid an increasingly cluttered cricket calendar, this will be the fourth men’s T20 global showpiece in less than four-and-a-half years. That of course comes down to the riches that it brings to the event organiser – and global governing body – the International Cricket Council, and in turn the nations taking part. Still, there is always room for more. Continue reading...

T20 World Cup fatigue hits Australia amid concern over injuries and form | Martin Pegan

Australian snowboard pair go big to make Winter Olympics final * Meila Stalker and Beijing bronze medallist Tess Coady qualify * Four-time Olympian Alex Ferlazzo finished 18th in men’s luge Olympic debutant Meila Stalker has pulled out a trick she only learnt since arriving in Livigno to join Beijing bronze medallist Tess Coady in the women’s snowboard big air final. Global stars – Austrian Anna Gasser, New Zealand’s Zoi Sadowski-Synnott, and Japan’s Kokomo Murase – who filled the podium four years ago all qualified for the medal round on Sunday (Monday AEDT). Continue reading...

Australian snowboard pair go big to make Winter Olympics final

T20 World Cup fatigue hits Australia amid concern over injuries and form | Martin Pegan As Australia head into the fourth men’s tournament in less than four-and-a-half years there are questions about how much it means to players and fans

Australia begin a fourth #T20WorldCup campaign in less than five years with questions over the surplus of events as much as the squad's form and fitness #T20WC2026
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From Bradbury to Bright: five of Australia’s best Winter Olympic moments | Martin Pegan The sun-drenched nation is beginning to hold its own in winter sports having already enjoyed a number of Olympic successes

Australia started from a long way back but now hold their own in many snow sports. Here are five (or six) of the #WinterOlympics team's most memorable successes
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Cruel blow for Australia skier Daisy Thomas after training crash on eve of Winter Olympics debut * Teenager ruled out of slopestyle after fall in final practice run in Livigno * Schedule | Latest results | Medal table | Full coverage Competing at the Winter Olympics just two months after rupturing her ACL, Australian freeskier Daisy Thomas has been ruled out of her first event after crashing at training. Set to make her Olympics debut in the qualifying round of the women’s slopestyle at Livigno’s Snow Park on Saturday (8.30pm AEDT), the 18-year-old will miss the event after she re-injured the same knee Continue reading...

Cruel blow for Australia skier Daisy Thomas after training crash on eve of Winter Olympics debut

Ten to watch: the athletes who can bring glory to Australia at the 2026 Winter Olympics | Martin Pegan There are high hopes that the best-ever tally of four medals at Beijing 2022 will be bettered with at least 10 genuine podium chances

Let the Games begin... with 10 of Australia's genuine medal contenders at the #MilanoCortina2026 #WinterOlympics
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Australia off to a flyer at Winter Olympics as snowboarder Valentino Guseli nails final jump * First Australian in action qualifies for big air final in Livigno * Schedule | Latest results | Medal table | Full coverage Young gun Valentino Guseli has nailed his last jump to clinch a place in the finals of the Olympic snowboard big air event after only being given a start when another athlete withdrew. The 20-year-old went large on his third and final jump at Livigno’s Snow Park and scored a 91.50 to cement the last spot in the 12-man final. After scoring 73.25 on his first run and 71.50 on his second, Guseli knew he needed something special to qualify into the final on Sunday (0530 AEDT). Continue reading...

Australia off to a flyer at Winter Olympics as snowboarder Valentino Guseli nails final jump

Australia’s youngest Winter Olympian Indra Brown: ‘I just love the feeling of flying’ | Martin Pegan Having seemingly come from nowhere to become the No 1-ranked freestyle skier in a matter of months, the 16-year-old finds herself among the medal favourites at Milano Cortina An overnight success tends to be built on years of patience and perseverance. Teenage ski sensation Indra Brown might just be the exception that proves the rule. Australia’s rising star of freestyle skiing had not even dropped into a halfpipe when the Winter Olympics were held in Beijing four years ago. Now she is launching out of them, landing her favourite trick – a cork 900, or “two-and-a-half spins and a flip while grabbing my skis” – and is among the favourites for a freeski halfpipe Olympic medal just days after turning 16. Continue reading...

Australia’s youngest Winter Olympian Indra Brown: ‘I just love the feeling of flying’ | Martin Pegan

From Bradbury to Bright: five of Australia’s best Winter Olympic moments | Martin Pegan The sun-drenched nation is beginning to hold its own in winter sports having already enjoyed a number of memorable Olympic successes The most unlikely of triumphs that spawned its own catch phrase. A consistent contender in high-flying skiing and snowboard events. And a breadth and depth of talent that continues to grow as snow sports go global. Australia competed at 12 Winter Games with mixed results before finding a first spot on a podium and its place among the national snow and ice strongholds. Six gold, seven silver and six bronze medals have now been secured – with high hopes for more to be added to the collection at Milano Cortina – as well as some of the nation’s most celebrated Olympic moments. Continue reading...

From Bradbury to Bright: five of Australia’s best Winter Olympic moments | Martin Pegan

Ten to watch: the athletes who can bring glory to Australia at the 2026 Winter Olympics | Martin Pegan There are high hopes that the best-ever tally of four medals at Beijing 2022 will be bettered with at least 10 genuine podium chances in Milano Cortina Australia’s 53-strong team is the second largest sent to a Winter Olympics and recent results suggest that will be more than enough to land a record medal haul in Milano Cortina. Five of Australia’s six medallists from the past two Games, including defending moguls champion Jakara Anthony, will return in 2026 and be among at least 10 genuine podium chances. The Beijing 2022 team secured Australia’s greatest Winter Olympics tally with four medals – one gold, two silver and a bronze – but there are high hopes that record will be shattered after 11 athletes won 26 medals across seven disciplines during the current World Cup season. Here are Australia’s main medal hopes (in alphabetical order) to watch when Milano Cortina 2026 begins on 6 February. Continue reading...

Ten to watch: the athletes who can bring glory to Australia at the 2026 Winter Olympics | Martin Pegan

Australia’s Ben O’Connor is out of the shadows and primed to scale cycling’s heights | Martin Pegan The Jayco AlUla rider is finally in a position find out what he’s capable of at a grand tour with form, fitness and a strong team behind him Ben O’Connor is just one of the many in the current generation of professional cyclists who knows how it feels to finish as the best of the rest. The Australian’s proudest moment on a bike comes not from raising his arms in triumph on the road, but while finishing second behind Tadej Pogacar at the world championships in 2024. “That was a huge race, an amazing experience, and one where I was very proud to carry myself on to the podium and to hold up the Aussie flag,” he says. It was that Pogacar victory in Zurich which made him just the third rider to claim the “triple crown” of the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and world road title in the same year – the toughest prize in men’s cycling. The 27-year-old added a fourth Tour de France overall title in 2025, to now be one short of equalling the record haul, as he continues to stake his claim as road cycling’s GOAT. But O’Connor is putting together his own palmarès that stands up against the next tier of riders who are largely unable to compete with the Slovenian superstar. Continue reading...

Australia’s Ben O’Connor is out of the shadows and primed to scale cycling’s heights | Martin Pegan

Australia’s Ben O’Connor is out of the shadows and primed to scale cycling’s heights | Martin Pegan The Jayco AlUla rider is finally in a position find out what he’s capable of at a grand tour with form, fitness and a strong team behind him

‘I can’t do what Tadej can do’: Ben O’Connor on racing a GOAT, having a clear run at a grand tour, and using the Tour Down Under to launch into his season
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Football Australia appoints ex-Stan boss Martin Kugeler to end long search for CEO * Kugeler takes over position vacated by James Johnson in May * Heather Garriock installed as deputy CEO and head of football Football Australia’s eight-month global search for a new chief executive has ended with former Stan boss Martin Kugeler appointed to lead the federation. Kugeler will step into the role from 16 February and succeed James Johnson who left FA last May after a five-and-a-half-year stint as CEO. Continue reading...

Football Australia appoints ex-Stan boss Martin Kugeler to end long search for CEO