Alisa Camplin-Warner first woman to be named chef de mission for Australian Winter Olympics team

One of Australia’s greatest Winter Olympians has been appointed chef de mission for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games.

Alisa Camplin-Warner has promised to create an atmosphere that will allow “everyone to deliver their full potential” after being appointed chef de mission of Australia’s team for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

Camplin-Warner, who in 2002 became the first Australian woman to win a Winter Olympics gold medal, has created further history by being the first female named as a chef de mission of an Australian Winter Olympics team.

“I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and thrilled to be working with all our winter sports, coaches and athletes,” the aerial skiing great said.

“Collectively, we’ve built a strong and proud winter history in Australia, and we look forward to enhancing this legacy together.

“Our athletes have made huge sacrifices and invested so much of their lives to represent their country. I want to honour everything they committed – physically, mentally and emotionally – to give each athlete the best Olympic performance opportunity possible.”

Alisa Camplin-Warner celebrates after winning a Winter Olympics gold medal in 2002. Picture: Sport the library/Sandra Teddy

Camplin-Warner said the 2026 Games, to be held in the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, would “stretch” the Australian team.

“Ultimately, it’s about creating an environment that allows everyone to deliver their full potential and feel part of a wonderful Australian team,” she said.

“The Milano-Cortina Games will see a wide spread of venues that will certainly stretch us, but we will be ready for the challenges.”

Australian Olympic Committee president Ian Chesterman said Camplin-Warner would bring “extraordinary experience” to Australia’s team.

“Alisa is one of Australia’s sporting greats who has continued to make an outstanding contribution to Australian sport since her retirement as an athlete,” Chesterman said.

“She has been part of the leadership team at the past two Winter Games, with Beijing 2022 proving to be the high mark for Australian winter sport with a record four medals and numerous results just off the podium.

“Alisa understands high performance and she understands how to create a positive team culture.

“Most importantly she cares deeply about our athletes and the challenges they face to get to an Olympic Games and compete at the highest level.”

Originally published as Alisa Camplin-Warner first woman to be named chef de mission for Australian Winter Olympics team