How did Australia – better known for its beaches than snow – become a consistent Winter Olympics performer? | Kieran Pender

Targeted resource allocation and investment in facilities have contributed to a record medal haul – but tougher times may lie ahead

In 1936, Kenneth Kennedy made history as Australia’s first Winter Olympian. It was a lonely enterprise; not only was Kennedy the nation’s sole representative at the Games in Germany, but the speed skater was entirely unsupported, with no staff or Australian Olympic officials in attendance.

From those inauspicious beginnings, almost six decades would pass before Australia won its first Winter Olympic medal; bronze in the men’s 5000m speed skating relay (Steven Bradbury – later to become Australia’s most famous Winter Olympian – was a member of the team). But from famine, now a hearty Winter Olympics meal awaits Australians every four years – if perhaps not yet a medal feast.