Australian snowboard cross star Josie Baff finishes second in China World Cup event

Australian snowboard cross star Josie Baff has won a silver medal at the World Cup event held in Beidahu, China. This marks the 11th World Cup podium finish of Baff's career, a result that also places her third in the season's overall standings.

After finishing fifth in the first race on Saturday at the Chinese winter resort, she was defeated by British athlete Charlotte Bankes in Sunday's "final," settling for second place. Baff's strong performance continues her streak from the previous World Cup round in Cervinia, Italy, in December, where she also won a silver medal.

Baff stated, "After yesterday (Saturday), this is definitely pleasing. I had a fire in my belly. It's a good result, but I want more. Two seconds in a row, I really want to win, and hopefully, I can do that soon, but I'm really happy to share the podium with the girls."

Baff's inspiring performance comes as part of her ongoing preparation for the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, next February. Her fellow Australians, Amber Essex and Mia Clift, finished seventh and tenth, respectively. In the men's competition, Adam Lambert was the highest-ranked Australian, finishing tenth.