Sport
6 March, 2026
World cup champ inspires
FIVE-time winter Olympian and World Champion aerial skier Jacqui Cooper will deliver her inspirational story in Cairns at a one-off International Women’s Day Luncheon this month.
Hosted by The Benson Hotel, the three-course lunch will feature Jacqui as special guest and motivational speaker at The Benson Restaurant and Bar on Grafton Street on Wednesday 11 March.
Across a 20-year career, Jacqui was ranked World Number 1 five times, held numerous world records and was the only Australian woman to be selected for five Winter Olympic Games.
Reflecting on her career, Ms Cooper said choosing a highlight was difficult.
“Asking to choose a stand out moment is like asking to choose a favourite child,” she said.
“I think any moment where I did what people thought impossible was a highlight.
“Whether coming back from an injury that was career-ending or being the first person to land a triple twisting triple somersault on the snow, to being the first person, male or female, to win five world titles… all those moments where I either raised the bar or proved people wrong.
“Those moments mean more than victories.”
Ms Cooper said she was looking forward to returning to Cairns, a destination she is familiar with.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Cairns multiple times,” she said.
“It’s a popular site for business teams to come to and for businesses to spoil their employees, given everything Cairns has to offer.”
International Women’s Day holds special meaning for Jacqui, who said the event was both empowering and necessary.
“Any reason to get a bunch of women together is fabulous,” she said.
“While I love doing the lunches, it’s still sad that we need to address these issues.
“It’s sad that in 2026 there’s still that gap in pay, in roles and that women are ranked lower than their male counterparts.”
Ms Cooper said she hoped guests would leave the luncheon feeling inspired.
“If I can empower a woman to bang on her chest and say, ‘I can do this, I am capable, I am super qualified, I have the strength,’ then I am happy.
“If I can speak to an audience and have women feeling like they can tackle the impossible and have greater strength, then I have succeeded.”
Tickets are $139 per person and are available through the International Women’s Day website, OpenTable, by phoning (07) 4046 0300, or by emailing events@thebensonhotel.com.au.
