Jindabyne Central School graduate Josie Baff stormed to victory in the final of the women’s snowboard cross at the weekend to claim Australia’s second gold of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina.

The 23-year-old took the lead midway through the final and never relinquished it, pipping Czech snowboarder and 2014 Olympic champion Eva Adamczykova on the line.

Baff, the 2023 World Champion silver-medallist and a former Youth Olympics Games champion, said it was dream come true to claim gold.

“It’s amazing. I can’t really believe it, I knew I could do it and I knew deep down I had what it took,” she told Olympics broadcaster Channel Nine.

Jindabyne High posted a tribute to Baff on the school’s Facebook page after her victory.

“Our hearts are bursting with pride as we celebrate Jindabyne alumna Josie Baff on her incredible achievement of Olympic gold for Australia in snowboard cross,” the school posted.

“From her days walking the school halls to standing atop the Olympic podium, Josie has always embodied determination, courage and confidence.

“Her journey to this historic victory is a testament to years of dedication, resilience and self-belief, and now she has etched her name into Australia’s sporting history.

“We feel immense joy and excitement watching one of our own achieve something so extraordinary.

“Our students, staff, families, fellow graduates and the local Jindabyne community are celebrating alongside Josie and her family united in pride and admiration.

“Josie, you carry the spirit of Jindabyne and your school with you wherever you go. Thank you for inspiring us all and showing what’s possible when passion meets perseverance.”

Baff attended Jindabyne Central School from Kindergarten to Year 12*. Her mother Petrina is Assistant Principal Curriculum and Instruction at Jindabyne Public School.

Jindabyne Public School principal Steve McAlister told ABC South East the snowboarder continued to visit the school regularly and was a favourite with students.

“To see Josie on top of that podium sends such a great message to our kids about having that determination and dedication and always striving for their personal best, which is all we ask of them every day,” he said.

“Medal or no medal, we would have been absolutely over the moon for Josie, but that's such a powerful message to see a young girl from a little town like Jindabyne with that gold medal around her neck. It’s just magic.

Mr McAlister said Josie’s drive to continually improve shone brightly in her mother’s support of classroom staff.

“Petrina works closely with staff on honing their craft and making sure that we’re the best we can be, so kids are getting the best out of us and the best for themselves,” he said.

“That shows in Josie’s determination to continually improve and to be the very best that she can be.”

Baff and fellow Jindabyne Central School graduate Adam Lambert narrowly missed out a medal in the Mixed Team Snowboard Cross, finishing fourth.

The pair cruised into the Olympic final, but a four-second penalty after Lambert touched another boarder in his run ultimately proved too great of an obstacle for the pair to overcome and they finished fourth.

*The former central school became Jindabyne High School and Jindabyne Public School in 2025.