Pambula lad Cooper Woods has skied his way into the history books, becoming one of two southern NSW athletes to win gold at the Milano Cortina games. Photo: @cooper_woodss/Instagram.
There’s a lot to write home about from Josie Baff’s visit to Milano Cortina – and she’s now received another honour.
Australia Post is celebrating the achievements of the Snowy Mountains local after the snowboard cross athlete claimed gold in the women’s snowboard cross event.
She finished just 0.04 seconds ahead of Czech rival Eva Adamczykova to take the victory.
Her Italian win comes during Josie’s second Olympics and is her first gold medal triumph.
It means she will be honoured with her own stamp, as part of the Australian Winter Olympic Team stamp initiative.
Australia Post general manager of retail product and supply chain Kayla Le Cornu said the initiative honoured the significant achievements of Australia’s gold medal winners.
“Celebrating our Winter Olympic athletes’ gold medal moments with their own stamp is a special way to recognise their achievements and allow Australians to share in the excitement,” she said.
The Aussie snowboarder was born in Cooma and raised in nearby Jindabyne.
She began her professional snowboarding career locally, under the watchful eye of her father and coach Peter Baff.
She claimed Australia’s first ever Youth Winter Olympics gold medal in 2020.
Milano Cortina 2026 Australian Winter Olympic Team Chef de Mission, Alisa Camplin praised Josie’s outstanding performance on the international stage.
“Josie was the absolute owner of her moment, dictating the race and rising above two prior Olympic champions to find rarefied air.
“Always joyous and hardworking, Josie was graceful and steely when everything was on the line – a truly epic performance.”
A sneak peek at what Josie’s stamp will look like. Image: Australia Post.
Josie’s win came less than 24 hours after fellow southern NSW athlete Cooper Woods claimed an unlikely gold medal in the men’s moguls.
The 25-year-old was born in Cooma but raised on the South Coast.
Australia Post has also confirmed he will feature in a dedicated stamp, in honour of his first gold medal achievement.
Ms Camplin described Cooper’s routine as “flawless” and the “ultimate performance” on the slopes.
“Three consecutive runs at your absolute best is a dream come true in an Olympic final,” she said.
“He was the last man down the run, and he delivered absolute magic.”
Mr Woods competed at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, where he came sixth.
Each unique stamp is specially created following an Aussie athlete’s gold medal ceremony.
The sheetlet of 10 stamps is expected to be available for online orders and in post offices across Australia within one week.
“These stamps capture a moment in history, not only celebrating their success but also serving as a lasting memento of what these athletes have accomplished on the world stage,” said Ms Le Cornu.
“It’s a way for families, fans and communities across the country to take home and treasure a piece of that achievement.
Josie’s stamp will be available for purchase at participating post offices and for online order within a week of the Australian gold medal ceremonies. Find out more on Australia Post’s website.
