Rosie Fordham, Australia's most successful cross-country ski racer, won the Kangaroo Hoppet marathon on Saturday, August 23rd, 2026, reinforcing the growing popularity of the sport in Australia. The 24-year-old from New South Wales, who recently graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, is entering her first full season as a professional athlete.

The Kangaroo Hoppet, held annually on the third Saturday in August, marked its 32nd edition this year with 730 skiers competing across three events despite challenging snowfall conditions. Established in 1991 as the first Southern Hemisphere event in the Worldloppet global series of ski marathons, the 42km race continues to attract a wide range of participants.

Wendy Olsen, Snow Australia's national event coordinator, highlighted the success of the interschools pathway in developing talent, noting, "It is so amazing to see that 31 members of the Milano Cortina Australian team have come from the interschools pathway." She added, "But to me that is just such an awesome outcome."

Fordham has achieved several top-20 finishes in the competitive FIS World Cup circuit and secured Australia's highest-ever Winter Olympics finish by placing 29th in the 50km mass start event in Val di Fiemme. She spoke to ABC Sport from the Australian ski fields, reflecting on the sport's progress and the impressive performances of Australian athletes in both alpine and Nordic skiing disciplines.

The Kangaroo Hoppet remains a key event in Australia's winter sports calendar, fostering community participation and showcasing emerging talent ahead of international competitions.

Sources