Teenage triathlete missing : The Snowy Mountains are known for their breathtaking beauty, but today, they are the site of a desperate search that has the whole country on edge. A teenage triathlete missing after a routine morning run has sparked a massive multi-agency rescue operation in the heart of New South Wales.
Bodhi Jackson, a fit and experienced 17-year-old athlete, went out for a run on Tuesday morning and hasn’t been seen since. As the sun sets over the rugged peaks of the Kosciuszko National Park, every second counts. Here is everything we know so far about the disappearance that has left a family shattered and a community in prayer.
The Disappearance: What Happened on the Cascade Trail?
It was supposed to be just another training session. Bodhi Jackson, a young man built for endurance, was last seen around 9:30 AM on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
According to NSW Police, Bodhi was seen on the Cascade Trail, a popular but challenging track within the Kosciuszko National Park. Known for its steep sections and unpredictable weather, the trail is no walk in the park—even for a triathlete.
When Bodhi failed to return to his meeting point, the alarm was raised immediately. As a triathlete, Bodhi is incredibly fit, but the “High Country” is famous for turning dangerous in a heartbeat.
A Massive Search Operation is Underway
As news broke of the teenage triathlete missing, emergency services swung into action. This isn’t just a local search; it’s a full-scale mission involving:
- NSW Police Force (including specialized Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit officers)
- State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers
- National Parks and Wildlife Service rangers
- PolAir (Police helicopters) equipped with thermal imaging technology
The terrain is described as “extraordinarily rugged.” While the Cascade Trail is a defined path, the surrounding bushland is dense and unforgiving. Search crews are battling thick scrub and the vastness of the Snowy Mountains to find any sign of the young runner.
The Vital Details: Have You Seen Bodhi?
Police have released a description of Bodhi Jackson in hopes that someone on the trails might have spotted him.
- Age: 17 years old
- Appearance: Caucasian, approximately 185cm to 195cm tall (very tall), thin athletic build, with short brown hair.
- Last Seen Wearing: A navy-blue singlet, black shorts, and bright yellow running shoes.
The yellow shoes are a key detail—they are highly visible against the green and brown of the Australian bush. If you were hiking or biking in the Kosciuszko National Park today, think back: did you see a tall teenager in a navy singlet?
Why This Story is Breaking Hearts Online
The “triathlete” element of this story makes it particularly poignant. Triathletes are symbols of strength and resilience. To think of a young man so full of life and health lost in the wilderness is every parent’s worst nightmare.
Social media has been flooded with messages of hope. The hashtags #FindBodhi and #Kosciuszko are trending as people share his photo across TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). The community is rallying, with many locals offering to join the search, though authorities are urging the public to stay clear of the active search zone to let the professionals do their work.
The Dangers of Kosciuszko National Park
While the park is a paradise for athletes, it holds hidden dangers that can catch even the most prepared person off guard:
- Rapid Weather Shifts: Temperatures can drop from 25°C to near freezing in hours, even in summer.
- Difficult Terrain: The “Snowies” are notorious for “false peaks” and areas where GPS signals can drop out.
- Dehydration and Fatigue: Despite being a triathlete, the combination of high altitude and the Australian sun can lead to rapid exhaustion.
The Hope for a “Miracle” Outcome
We have seen miracles in this park before. Just last year, a hiker was found alive after 13 days in this very same wilderness. Everyone is holding onto the hope that Bodhi’s fitness and training will help him stay safe until rescuers reach him.
His family and the police are “deeply concerned,” but the search will not stop. As night falls, thermal-equipped helicopters are expected to continue scanning the area, looking for a heat signature in the cold mountain air.
How You Can Help
If you have any information, no matter how small it seems, please do not stay silent.
- Contact Crime Stoppers: Call 1800 333 000 immediately.
- Check Your Dashcam: If you were driving near the Alpine Way or the Dead Horse Gap area this morning, review your footage.
- Share the Info: Use the trending hashtags below to keep Bodhi’s face on everyone’s feed.
The search for the teenage triathlete missing in Kosciuszko continues. We are all rooting for you, Bodhi. Come home safe.
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