LIVIGNO, Italy — In a stunning display of speed and tactical precision, Australia’s Josie Baff has captured the gold medal in the Women’s Snowboard Cross at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The 23-year-old from Jindabyne delivered a masterclass performance on Friday, 13 February, securing Australia’s second gold of these Games.
Baff, who entered the final as a formidable contender following a career-best World Cup season, overcame a field of elite veterans and rising stars. In a high-stakes final at the Livigno snow park, she led from the early stages of the heat, holding off a late charge from the Czech Republic’s Eva Adamczykova and Switzerland’s Noemie Wiedmer. The victory marks a historic redemption for Baff, who famously crashed out of her Olympic debut as a teenager at Beijing 2022.
The Golden Run
The final was a chaotic affair that “went completely against the script,” according to trackside analysts. While pre-race favourites including Italy’s Michela Moioli faced challenges on the technical course, Baff maintained a clean line through the “pro-section” of the track. She crossed the finish line ahead of Adamczykova (Silver) and Wiedmer (Bronze), while Great Britain’s Charlotte Bankes finished outside the podium spots.
“I just wanted to be scared and do it anyway,” Baff told reporters, echoing the personal creed that has defined her rise since winning Youth Olympic gold in 2020. “To stand here four years after Beijing with this around my neck is a dream I’ve worked for every single day.”
Australia’s Medal Surge
Baff’s gold adds to a successful Day 7 for the Australian contingent in Italy. Her victory follows Cooper Woods’ earlier gold in the Men’s Freestyle Skiing Moguls, propelling Australia up the medal tally. The “Jindabyne Giant-Killer” has now solidified her status as a global icon in the sport, adding Olympic gold to her 2023 World Championship silver and 10 career World Cup medals.
| Event | Athlete | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Women’s Snowboard Cross | Josie Baff (AUS) | GOLD |
| Women’s Snowboard Cross | Eva Adamczykova (CZE) | SILVER |
| Women’s Snowboard Cross | Noemie Wiedmer (SUI) | BRONZE |
What’s Next?
The Australian snowboard team continues its campaign tomorrow with Adam Lambert, currently ranked world number one, set to compete in the Men’s Snowboard Cross. The team remains in high spirits despite the recent loss of Cam Bolton, who was airlifted out earlier this week following a training injury. Baff is expected to return to the course for the Mixed Team Snowboard Cross event later in the schedule.