Bree Walker narrowly missed making history in Germany, nearly becoming the first Australian to win a Crystal Globe as the season’s top bobsledder. Her impressive performance came on a day when Australia’s winter sports athletes shone brightly, with the Milan-Cortina Olympics on the horizon. Snowboard cross riders Josie Baff and Adam Lambert also secured medals in China, propelling them to the top of the World Cup standings.
The spotlight, however, was on the 33-year-old Walker, who clinched silver behind Kaillie Humphries in the final World Cup monobob race of the season in Altenberg. This achievement secured her second place for the season, just 17 points shy of German Laura Nolte, who claimed the seasonal crown.
Walker’s Stellar Season and Olympic Prospects
In the last race before the Olympic showdown in Cortina next month, Walker faced the challenge of overcoming a 27-point deficit against double world monobob champion Nolte to claim the Crystal Globe. Despite defeating Nolte, who finished third, by 0.06 seconds after two runs, Walker fell just short in the final standings.
Humphries, America’s reigning Olympic champion, won with a combined time of 1 minute 58.97 seconds for the two runs, 0.13 seconds ahead of Walker’s 1:59.10, and 0.19 seconds faster than Nolte. Walker’s outstanding World Cup season, marked by victories in Lillehammer, Sigulda, and St Moritz, positions her as a strong contender for historic gold at the Winter Games.
Australian Snowboarders Rise in China
Meanwhile, at the Chinese winter resort of Dongbeiya, Josie Baff secured silver in the women’s final, while Adam Lambert took bronze in the men’s event. Both athletes, hailing from Jindabyne in the New South Wales Snowy Mountains, now lead their World Cup standings, earning the prestigious yellow leader’s bibs.
“It absolutely does feel like an honour,” said Lambert. “Obviously, just two races into the season anything can happen, but for now I will savour the feeling and to do it at the same time as Josie, who was my neighbour for most of my childhood, is a special privilege.”
Baff finished behind Britain’s Charlotte Bankes in the big final, securing silver in a closely contested finish. This marks the 16th World Cup podium of her career. In the men’s final, 28-year-old Lambert achieved his eighth World Cup podium, finishing behind Austrian Jakob Dusek and Canada’s Eliot Grondin.
Historical Context and Future Implications
The achievements of Walker, Baff, and Lambert underscore a significant moment in Australian winter sports history. Walker’s near miss at the Crystal Globe highlights the growing competitiveness of Australian athletes on the global stage, a development that could inspire future generations.
Australia’s winter sports program has seen considerable growth over the years, with increased investment and support leading to improved performances. The success of athletes like Walker, Baff, and Lambert demonstrates the potential for Australia to become a formidable force in winter sports, traditionally dominated by countries with colder climates.
Looking ahead, the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics present an opportunity for these athletes to further cement their legacy. Walker’s strong form and the momentum of Baff and Lambert in the World Cup standings suggest that Australian athletes are poised to make a significant impact at the Games.
As the countdown to the Olympics continues, the focus will remain on these athletes as they prepare to compete against the world’s best. Their performances not only bring pride to Australia but also set the stage for a new era in the nation’s winter sports narrative.
