We all wanted it so badly, but even though it wasn’t the colour he was chasing, Scotty James has etched his name into the history books at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, claiming silver in a the probably the most dramatic men’s snowboard halfpipe final in history. With the result, Scotty becomes Australia’s most successful Winter Olympian – and the only Australian to win medals at three consecutive Winter Games.
The night belonged to Japan’s Yuto Totsuka, who dropped a massive second run that scored 95.00 and ultimately secured gold. His run featured back-to-back triple cork combinations and near flawless execution under the Livigno lights.
Scotty needed to respond.
After laying down a huge second run for 93.50, he went into his final attempt needing something special to chase the elusive Olympic gold that has long defined his career. The run was building toward a potential winning score, huge amplitude, that signature style, and the technical precision he’s known for, before disaster struck on the final hit. Pushing the limits in pursuit of victory, he couldn’t hold the landing on his final 1620 and watched gold slip away in the final moments.
The silver marks his second straight Olympic runner-up finish, adding to his bronze from PyeongChang 2018 and cementing his legacy as Australia’s greatest Winter Olympian. Regardless of the result, Scotty has inspired an entire nation, as well as thousands around the world, as arguably the most prolific halfpipe snowboarder in history.
The people’s champ Valentino Guseli finished fifth after battling through early struggles to deliver a personal best run that scored 88, going easily the biggest in the field. The result confirms Val as one of the sport’s brightest future contenders and adds depth to Australia’s halfpipe program behind Scotty.
For Scotty, the result is bittersweet. The Olympic gold that has defined his career ambitions remains just out of reach, but his impact on snowboarding, and Australian sport, is undeniable.
Three consecutive Olympic medals. Five Olympic appearances. Australia’s most decorated Winter Olympian. Not the ending he wanted, but a legacy secured nonetheless.
Thank you, Scotty.
Final results:
Yuto Totsuka — Gold (95.00)
Scotty James — Silver (93.50)
Ryusei Yamada — Bronze (92.00)
