Distraught after the race: Snowboarder Michela Moioli. © APA/afp / KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV

Emotional precious metal for Italy's snowboard ace

In Friday's women's snowboard cross medal event, an Australian athlete emerged victorious. Michela Moioli of Italy also made it onto the podium – and subsequently burst into tears.

February 13, 2026

From: mv

Michela Moioli has had a crazy 24 hours: The 30-year-old from Lombardy crashed during training on Thursday and injured her face. The Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) announced the crash and emphasized that it was still unclear whether Moioli would be able to compete in Friday's finals.

The 30-year-old was back in action the following day. She gritted her teeth and didn't let weak starts in both the semi-final and final races throw her off her stride. While she managed to secure first place in the semi-final, Moioli had to settle for third in the final. It was Italy's 18th medal overall at these Winter Olympics. Moioli finally broke down in tears during the medal ceremony.

Josie Baff from Australia snatched the gold medal in the women's snowboard cross. © APA/afp / KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV

Australian Josie Baff took the victory, followed by Eva Adamczykova from the Czech Republic. Pia Zerkhold from Lower Austria finished in fifth place.

> Click here for the big Olympic box