Kangaroo Hoppet

Falls Creek, Australia, witnessed a historic day as home athletes Phillip Bellingham and Rosie Fordham claimed double gold at the 31st Kangaroo Hoppet, the opening event of the 2025/26 Worldloppet season. Nearly 1,000 competitors from 24 nations joined the celebration, creating a vibrant international atmosphere in Victoria’s alpine heart.

Bellingham’s Career-Defining Victory

For triple Olympian Phillip Bellingham, the men’s title was the long-awaited crown jewel of his career. After several near misses, he finally stood atop the podium in what he confirmed will be his last competitive Hoppet. “So happy. That meant everything to me. I’ve been trying to do that my entire career… I’ve come second in the same situation before and I know how hard it is right to the end. I’m just so happy,” he said, visibly moved by the achievement.

Fordham’s Breakthrough Performance

On the women’s side, rising star Rosie Fordham continued her remarkable season, adding her first Kangaroo Hoppet title to a year already highlighted by an Australian Championship victory and a U23 World Championship silver medal. “It was awesome. It’s like the whole Australian ski community is here,” she shared after the race. “I haven’t seen this many Australians out skiing – it’s so cool to be here with all of them. I’ll definitely be back.”

With Bellingham closing a chapter and Fordham opening a new one, the 2025 Kangaroo Hoppet will be remembered as a milestone in the history of Australian skiing – and a powerful start to the new Worldloppet season.

pictures by Chris Hocking