Injured Bolton's pre-race message to golden girl Baff
Injured snowboarder Cameron Bolton sent a heartfelt message of encouragement to Josie Baff before her gold medal run at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Cameron Bolton, an injured snowboarder, reached out to support his teammate Josie Baff ahead of her performance at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, where she ultimately secured a gold medal in the snowboard cross event. Bolton, who had previously partnered with Baff to win a mixed team gold at the 2025 World Championships, has been facing a challenging recovery from a serious injury, a broken neck sustained during a training incident. His message served as a morale boost for Baff and the rest of the Australian team, highlighting the camaraderie among the athletes.
The Australian team faced tough competition and adverse conditions during the Winter Olympics, particularly impacting the men’s snowboard cross competitors. None of the three male athletes, including Jarryd Hughes and Adam Lambert, managed to advance beyond the first heats, which added pressure to their performances amid Bolton’s unfortunate injury. Bolton's substitution left a significant void, as he was a strong contender and an integral part of the team dynamic, especially considering his bond with Lambert, who leads the World Cup standings.
Baff’s achievement not only brought joy to the Australian contingent but also served as a reminder of resilience and support within the team during trying times. As Bolton prepares for a medical flight to Melbourne for rehabilitation, Baff's victory stands as a testament to the spirit of teamwork and encouragement that prevails in high-stakes sports environments, displaying how athletes often rally around one another in the face of adversity.