MILAN-CORTINA, Italy – Australia celebrated a golden double at the Winter Olympics on Friday, as Josie Baff stormed to victory in the women’s snowboard cross at Livigno Snow Park. The 23-year-old’s triumph came less than 24 hours after Cooper Woods’ stunning win in the moguls, marking the first time since the 2010 Vancouver Games that Australia has secured two gold medals at a single Winter Olympics.
Baff’s performance was a masterclass in precision and overtaking, navigating both her semi-final and the four-racer final with immaculate timing. She consistently found the inside line, executing superb maneuvers to secure her place at the front of the pack in both races. The victory marks a remarkable ascent for Baff, who first gained prominence as a youth Olympic champion in Lausanne six years ago.
“I actually am just in shock. I’m so happy. It’s amazing, I can’t really believe it, I knew I could do it and I knew deep down that I had what it took,” Baff said immediately after the race, visibly overwhelmed with emotion. “I haven’t won in a very long time, and to win here at this event and have one of the world’s most sought-after gold medals around my neck is absolutely incredible, and I wouldn’t change anything for the world.”
The gold medal is Australia’s second-ever in snowboard cross, following Jarryd Hughes’ silver medal performance in the men’s event at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games. Baff’s victory elevates Australia’s standing in the sport and signals a new era of success for the nation’s snowboard cross program.
Despite arriving at the Games ranked No. 2 in the world, Baff faced a challenging start to the day, finishing 17th in the seeding rounds. However, she demonstrated resilience and determination, winning her initial race and progressing through the quarter-finals, where she finished second. Her semi-final performance was particularly impressive, as she overtook two rivals with a decisive maneuver to claim the top spot.
The final race proved to be a thrilling contest, with Baff strategically biding her time before executing a perfectly timed pass on Swiss rider Noemie Wiedmer on the inside. She maintained her lead throughout the remainder of the course, crossing the finish line ahead of a charging field.
Czech racer Eva Adamczyková, the top seed entering the final, secured the silver medal, while Italy’s Michela Moioli, the reigning world champion and 2018 Olympic gold medalist, claimed the bronze. Adamczyková’s silver medal completed her collection of Olympic medals, having previously won gold in Sochi in 2014 and bronze in Pyeongchang in 2018. Moioli’s bronze came after a fall during practice, showcasing her determination and competitive spirit.
“It’s a really different story from eight years ago,” Adamczyková said, reflecting on her Olympic journey. “I always said that I want to complete the collection, so I think it was meant to be.”
Baff’s journey to Olympic gold has been marked by dedication and perseverance. She overcame a bout of the flu earlier in the week, demonstrating her physical and mental fortitude. Her success is a testament to her rigorous training and unwavering commitment to the sport.
The Australian team’s success in Milan-Cortina has injected a surge of excitement into the nation’s Olympic campaign. With Woods and Baff leading the charge, Australia is poised to challenge for further medals in the remaining events. The team’s performance underscores the growing strength of Australian winter sports and its potential to compete at the highest level on the global stage.
The women’s snowboard cross final showcased the intensity and athleticism of the sport. The four riders – Baff, Adamczyková, Moioli, and Wiedmer – battled fiercely for a podium finish, pushing their limits and demonstrating exceptional skill. Baff’s victory was a culmination of years of hard work and a testament to her ability to perform under pressure.
The competition also highlighted the evolving landscape of snowboarding, with athletes returning to the sport after starting families. Adamczyková spoke of the positive impact of motherhood, noting that it helped alleviate pressure and allowed her to focus on her performance. This trend reflects a growing emphasis on work-life balance and the ability of athletes to pursue their passions while embracing personal commitments.
