Australian snowboarder Scotty James is preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina with a clear focus on achieving the ultimate accolade in his sport: an Olympic gold medal. Despite already boasting a collection of impressive achievements, including a bronze medal from the 2018 PyeongChang Games and a silver from 2022 Beijing, James acknowledges that an Olympic gold remains the one title he has yet to secure.
A Room Full of Memories and Ambitions
James’ personal space, often referred to as the ‘GOAT room,’ is a testament to his illustrious career. It features a signed jersey from basketball legend Kobe Bryant during his rookie year with the Los Angeles Lakers, an autographed helmet from Australian F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo, a football boot from AFL star Dustin Fletcher, and a boxing glove from renowned Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez. These items symbolize both his admiration for fellow athletes and his own illustrious journey in sports.
Despite these accomplishments, James remains focused on what he describes as an “obvious choice” for his career progression: the gold medal. “From an accolade perspective, and having a stone left unturned, the gold is definitely [what I want],” he stated. He emphasizes that achieving this goal requires dedication to training, preparation, and maintaining his love for snowboarding, rather than fixating solely on the medal itself.
Navigating Doubts and Motivations
As he looks ahead to the upcoming Olympics, James reflects on the challenges of maintaining motivation over his nearly two-decade career. “I’ve had moments where I’ve thought maybe I shouldn’t continue any more,” he admitted. These feelings of doubt are common for athletes, especially those who have competed at high levels for extended periods.
James first made waves in the snowboarding world when he debuted at the 2008 Europa Cup in Switzerland at just 14 years old. He has consistently represented Australia at the Olympic level, serving as the flag bearer for his country during the 2018 Games. His journey has seen him come close to Olympic glory, particularly in Beijing, where he was in contention for gold until the final moments of the competition.
As he prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics, James, now 31, has discovered renewed purpose. “There’s something about it that keeps drawing you back,” he noted. He believes that understanding his motivations and goals is crucial for his continued success in the half-pipe. The challenge of finding inspiration amidst the rigors of training is significant, but James remains committed to evolving as an athlete.
Ten years after winning his first half-pipe world championship gold in Austria in 2015, James remains a formidable competitor. His recent victory at the world championships in Switzerland in March 2025 exemplifies his ongoing prowess in the sport.
“My motivation has always changed,” he explained about his journey. Becoming a father has provided him with a new perspective and motivation. He aims to balance his aspirations of winning with the responsibilities that come with family life. “If I tried to continue to want to be the best from the day I started 10 years ago, I’d just run myself into the ground,” he reflected.
Currently ranked fourth in the world in the half-pipe, James is keenly aware of the preparations necessary for the Olympics, stating, “This has by far been my best preparation for an Olympics because I’ve left no stone unturned.” He emphasized that his approach encompasses not only snowboarding techniques but also mental and physical well-being.
As the countdown to the Winter Olympic Games continues, James remains grounded and optimistic about his chances. “I think I have a lot of perspective,” he stated. “If I’ve made mistakes, I’m not making those again.” His journey from a young competitor to a seasoned athlete is a testament to his resilience and dedication to his sport.
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games will commence on February 6, 2026, and will be broadcast on the 9Network, 9Now, and Stan Sport. As James prepares for this pivotal moment in his athletic career, fans around the world will be watching closely to see if he can finally secure the elusive gold medal that has so far eluded him.
