From quiet contender to tour leader: Lambo’s moment has arrived

Courtesy Australian Olympic Committee

Quiet achiever Adam ‘Lambo’ Lambert has arrived at his third Olympic Games as the number one ranked men’s snowboard cross rider of the 2025/26 Word Cup tour season. 

The 28 year old from Jindabyne claimed his first World Cup gold at the final event before the Games - his third consecutive podium in an impressive Olympic season streak. 

Despite entering Milano Cortina as the World Cup tour leader, Lambert remains as understated as ever. Confidence isn’t something he broadcasts; instead, he’s built a reputation on quiet consistency, years of hard work, and a calm, methodical approach to racing. 

Lambert placed 29th at his debut Games in PyeongChang and 22nd in Beijing in the individual event. In 2022 he also teamed up with fellow Jindabyne local  Josie Baff in the Mixed Snowboard Cross Team event, where the Aussie duo finished 13th. 

Coming into Milano Cortina 2026, Lambert said the foundation of his top ranking is simple: consistent hard work, resilience, and experience - but not pressure. 

“My career’s not a short one, I’ve been competing at the highest level now for eight-and-a-half years,” he said. “Seventy-five races, six silver medals, two bronze medals and one gold - and I’m looking to add to that tally heading into these Games.five races, six silver medals, two bronze medals and one gold - and I’m looking to add to that tally heading into these Games. 

“I’m feeling really good, ranked number one [I feel] a little bit of - not pressure on my shoulders - but definitely expectations for myself. 

“My recent successes… give me confidence for this race, but the Olympics is just another race that I’m looking to get on the podium for.” 

Australia will again be strongly represented in the men’s snowboard cross, with PyeongChang 2018 silver medallist  Jarryd Hughes  returning for his fourth Games after working his way back from a serious knee injury.  

Last-minute call-up  James Johnstone also joins the team.  

With no pre-Games Test Event on the Livigno course, the team spent the past two days getting a feel for the unique track layout. With another two days of official training coming up, Lambert said he’s now focused on piecing together the tactical puzzle.

“The course is tough, it’s long,” he explained. “We have to puzzle it out a bit, we don’t exactly know where all the passes are going to be made or what kind of style racing the course is going to require, but we’re looking into it and I’m sure we’ll have it solved before we pull out on the 12.” 

And when he does pull out of the start gate on Thursday, Lambert will be doing so with pride. 

“The green and gold is such a beautiful colour combination, it’s bright, it’s proud and it’s the kind of emotions I try to replicate when I’m wearing it: be bright, be proud and represent the country!” 

The Men’s Snowboard Cross event will take place at Livigno Snow Park on Thursday 12 February. 

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