Josie Baff’s stunning gold medal victory in the snowboard cross at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Livigno has provided a much-needed boost to the Australian team. Her win comes amidst a challenging period for the team, particularly the men’s squad, who faced tough conditions on Thursday. None of the three male competitors—Jarryd Hughes, Adam Lambert, and Jimmy Johnstone—managed to advance past their first heat.
The team has been under considerable pressure following the injury of Cameron Bolton, a key member who was forced to withdraw after suffering a neck injury during a training session. Bolton’s absence has cast a shadow over the team, with his injury having a profound emotional impact, especially on Adam Lambert, Bolton’s long-time roommate and the current World Cup standings leader.
“I never want to see a teammate, let alone a friend, go down with such a terrible injury,” Lambert said. “He’s playing it down, but it’s hard to watch somebody who you’ve looked up to your whole life go out like that, and then have to get airlifted to hospital.”
Bolton’s Influence and Support
Despite his absence, Bolton’s influence remained strong. Josie Baff, who has a close relationship with Bolton, revealed that a supportive text message from him played a crucial role in her mental preparation for the race.
“To not have Cam here was pretty heartbreaking,” Baff said. “He was texting me last night, he was like, ‘You know, you can win this race, Josie,’ and I was like, ‘I know I can.'”
Baff’s connection with Bolton extends beyond friendship; they partnered to win the mixed-team world championship gold in Erzurum in 2025. Baff credits Bolton for much of her tactical development and self-belief, highlighting his role in her journey to Olympic gold.
Medical Update and Team Dynamics
The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) announced that Bolton is set to return to Melbourne for further rehabilitation. This decision follows consultations with expert Australian spinal surgeons after Bolton’s initial treatment in Milan.
“After further scans and assessment in Milan, the Australian Olympic medical team have been consulting with expert Australian spinal surgeons to discuss Cam Bolton’s case management, medically and holistically,” an AOC statement read.
The team dynamics have been notably affected by Bolton’s injury. Baff described the team as a close-knit family, emphasizing the strong bonds formed through months of travel and competition.
“The team is definitely a family,” Baff said. “The coaches, you know, they’re like second dads to us. We have a lot of banter, we have fights … it’s quite funny, to be honest — we’re with each other all the time, we’re living out of each other’s skin, so it’s inevitable. But we are one big happy family.”
Looking Ahead
Baff’s victory is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the resilience and unity of the Australian team. As Bolton continues his recovery, the team’s focus will likely shift to upcoming competitions and maintaining the momentum generated by Baff’s success.
The implications of this victory extend beyond the immediate celebration. It serves as a reminder of the strength found in team spirit and the power of support, even from afar. As the team looks to the future, Bolton’s eventual return will undoubtedly be a significant moment, potentially galvanizing the squad for further achievements on the world stage.
