Sunshine Coast snowboarder Meila Stalker has finished 10th in the final of the women’s Big Air event at the Winter Olympics in Italy.
The 22-year-old failed to stick the backside double cork 1080 jump that she nailed in qualification but relished the experience.
She made it into the 12-strong final with the sixth best score in qualifying a day earlier.
The Nambour-born talent, who went to high school at Nambour State College and now lives at Coolum Beach, expressed her delight via social media in being named in Australia’s 100-strong team of athletes.
“After highs, hard days, maybes and maybe-nots, I’m so excited to share that I’ll be heading to Milano Cortina 2026,” she said.
“Still a little overwhelmed by the reality of it. I can’t quite put into words how grateful I am for the people who’ve supported me and helped me get to this point. My heart goes out to all of you. I’m so excited to make it all worthwhile.”
Stalker’s athlete profile explained that her passion for snowboarding was sparked during a family holiday to Niseko in Japan when she young.
She spent her winters on Australian and New Zealand slopes and was promptly included in Snow Australia’s Emerging Talent Program.
She made her senior breakthrough in 2022-23, when she made the slopestyle final at the world championships in Georgia and has since made impressions at multiple events around the globe, including a personal best score in the Big Air event at Beijing in 2024.
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“I’ve never felt as mentally strong and comfortable in an event, and I think it’s something to hold highly in my career as something both to look back on and strive for in future events,” she said.
Stalker will compete in the slopestyle event as well as Big Air at the Games after producing a string of solid performances at events around the world.
Her selection was welcomed by many, including Coolum Beach Hotel.
“Such amazing news as Coolum’s own and CBH team member Meila Stalker was announced in the Australian Olympics team,” the business stated on Instagram.
“Such an amazing young woman who will light up Milano Cortina with her beaming smile and amazing athletic talent. We will be cheering you on every step of the way Meila as you go for gold.”
Local councillor Maria Suarez also congratulated her.
“So great! Well done Melia Stalker.”
“We will be watching and cheering you on. I’m sure you will have an amazing experience.”
Meanwhile, another athlete who calls the region home will also make a Winter Olympics debut.
Reilly Flanagan, whose hometown is Noosaville, will compete in freestyle skiing aerials.
The 21-year-old was born in Canberra and has a gymnastics background.
He was excited to be heading to Milano Cortina.
“So incredibly proud to be living out a childhood dream of mine, and endlessly grateful to everyone who’s supported me along the way,” he said via social media.
“Thank you to my coaches, teammates and support staff for investing your time, energy and belief in me, and helping me get to this point.
“And to my family and friends, especially Mum and Dad. None of this would be possible without your unwavering support. You have been the foundation of this journey from day one. Let’s get to work.”
Flanagan made his World Cup debut in early 2025, helping Australia reach the podium in the mixed team event. He’s since competed in multiple events around the world to gain valuable experience.
He was named Aerial Skiing Male Athlete of the Year at the 2025 Snow Australia Awards.
The Winter Games will run from February 6 to 22. More than 50 Australians are expected to compete.
