Olympic Champion Jakara Anthony Shocks Australia with Bold Endorsement of Pauline Hanson
In a stunning turn of events that has reverberated across Australia’s sports and political landscapes, freestyle skiing sensation Jakara Anthony has publicly thrown her support behind controversial One Nation leader Pauline Hanson. Fresh off her historic gold medal win at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina—securing her place as Australia’s most decorated Winter Olympian ever—the athlete used her victory platform to voice strong agreement with Hanson’s long-standing calls for stricter immigration controls.
The move has ignited fierce debate, drawing widespread praise from some quarters and sharp criticism from others, while highlighting deep-seated frustrations over migration, national security, and political discourse in the country.
Anthony, 27, from Barwon Heads in Victoria, delivered a masterful performance in the women’s dual moguls event on February 14, 2026, rebounding triumphantly from a disappointing crash in the singles competition days earlier. Her gold medal marked Australia’s third of the Games and cemented her legacy, surpassing previous Winter achievements and earning her accolades as the “GOAT of Aussie skiing.” As she stood atop the podium, draped in the Australian flag, the moment seemed destined for pure celebration. Instead, Anthony chose to steer the post-race media scrum toward a politically charged statement that few anticipated.
“I want to be clear,” Anthony declared in her victory press conference, her voice steady despite the emotional high. “Pauline Hanson has been warning us for years about the risks of unchecked illegal immigration and mass arrivals without proper vetting. She’s right—it’s a potential danger to our communities, our safety, and our way of life. We can’t keep ignoring these concerns just because they’re uncomfortable. Pauline has the courage to say what many Australians are thinking, and it’s time we listened.”
The remarks referenced Hanson’s decades-long advocacy for reduced migration levels, border security, and policies targeting illegal entries. Hanson, the founder and leader of One Nation, has repeatedly called for a moratorium on certain forms of immigration and stricter controls, framing them as essential to protect jobs, housing affordability, and social cohesion amid Australia’s ongoing housing crisis. Recent polling in early 2026 has shown One Nation surging in popularity, with primary support reaching as high as 26% in some surveys—outpacing the Coalition and closing in on Labor—while Hanson’s personal favorability rating has climbed above that of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Anthony did not stop at endorsement. She launched a pointed critique of what she described as “extremist elements” operating both within and outside Parliament. “There are people inside Parliament and out who label Pauline as ‘racist’ or ‘extremist’ to shut down debate,” she said. “They manipulate weak political parties and certain immigrant advocacy groups to attack her and anyone who questions the current approach. This isn’t about hate—it’s about honest discussion and protecting Australia. The real extremists are those who silence voices and divide us further.”
The statement immediately sparked a firestorm on social media and in newsrooms. Supporters flooded online platforms with messages of gratitude, praising Anthony for using her platform to amplify what they see as legitimate public concerns. Many pointed to rising housing costs, strained infrastructure, and recent incidents linked to migration as validation of Hanson’s warnings. “Finally, someone with guts speaks up,” one viral comment read. “Jakara just said what half the country feels but is afraid to say.”
Critics, however, accused the Olympian of politicizing her achievement and aligning with divisive rhetoric. Progressive commentators and some sports figures expressed disappointment, arguing that her comments risked alienating multicultural communities and undermining the inclusive spirit of the Olympics. Labor-aligned voices suggested the endorsement played into One Nation’s hands during a period of heightened political volatility.
Undeterred, Anthony followed up hours later with a formal public statement posted on her social media channels, this time directly addressing the Albanese government. “To Prime Minister Albanese and his team: stop dismissing Australians’ legitimate fears about border security and unsustainable migration levels as mere populism,” she wrote. “Your policies are failing everyday people—housing is unaffordable, services are stretched, and safety concerns are growing. Pauline Hanson has been consistent on this for decades while others flip-flop for votes. It’s time for real leadership, not deflection. Australians deserve better, and we’re watching.”
The statement garnered rapid traction, amassing tens of thousands of likes, shares, and supportive comments within minutes. Polling snapshots shared on conservative outlets suggested a noticeable uptick in public sympathy toward stricter migration views, with some analysts linking the surge directly to Anthony’s intervention. One Nation quickly capitalized, with Hanson herself issuing a gracious response: “Jakara Anthony is a champion in every sense—on the slopes and now in speaking truth to power. Her courage inspires me, and it should inspire every Australian who wants our country protected.”
The episode underscores broader tensions in Australia as of mid-February 2026. Migration has dominated headlines amid economic pressures, with One Nation positioning itself as the unapologetic voice for reduced intake. Hanson’s party has seen its support swell, fueled by dissatisfaction with both major parties. The Albanese government, facing criticism over cost-of-living issues and foreign policy challenges, has defended its balanced approach to skilled and humanitarian migration while emphasizing economic benefits.
Anthony’s background adds layers to the controversy. As a trailblazing Indigenous-Australian athlete (of Wiradjuri descent on one side), her endorsement carries symbolic weight. Some observers noted the irony of an athlete from a marginalized background backing a figure often accused of divisive politics on race and identity. Anthony addressed this indirectly in follow-up comments: “This isn’t about race—it’s about fairness, security, and putting Australians first. We can celebrate diversity while ensuring our systems are sustainable and safe.”
Sports bodies have remained largely silent, though sources within Australian Olympic circles suggest internal discussions about the appropriateness of athletes wading into partisan politics. Historically, Australian Olympians have occasionally voiced political views—most notably on environmental or social justice issues—but Anthony’s intervention stands out for its direct alignment with a specific political figure during a heated election cycle buildup.
As the dust settles, the incident has amplified calls for open debate on immigration without fear of being labeled extremist. Anthony’s dual gold medals have already etched her into Australian sporting history; her political stance may prove equally enduring in shaping national conversation.
Whether this marks the beginning of a broader celebrity-driven push on border issues or a fleeting moment remains unclear. What is certain is that Jakara Anthony has transformed from Olympic hero to unexpected political lightning rod, forcing Australia to confront uncomfortable questions at the intersection of sport, fame, and policy.
