'Just have a crack': Aussie shines in surreal Olympic skimo debut
Sydney Morning Herald
February 19, 2026
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In a thrilling Olympic debut of ski mountaineering (skimo), Australian Phil Bellingham emerged as an unexpected star. Leveraging his extensive background in cross-country skiing, Bellingham showcased remarkable endurance and technical skill, delivering a standout performance that surprised both experts and fans alike.
Ski mountaineering made its Olympic debut at the 2026 Winter Games, combining elements of skiing and mountain climbing. The event requires athletes to ski, climb, and descend slopes in rapid succession, testing their physical and mental limits. Bellingham's success was particularly notable given his lack of prior experience in skimo; he redirected his cross-country skiing expertise to adapt quickly to the
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/19/2026