LIVIGNO, Italy — Australian snowboarder Scotty James is on the brink of fulfilling a significant milestone in his illustrious halfpipe career: securing an Olympic gold medal. With the competition heating up, James faces strong challengers, particularly defending champion Ayumu Hirano from Japan, along with his teammates including Yuto Totsuka.
Hirano, who emerged victorious four years ago in what was considered a farewell performance for American snowboarder Shaun White, is returning from a challenging recovery period following a serious fall in Switzerland that left him with a broken nose and other injuries. Despite his determination, Hirano admits he is currently operating at only 50% of his capabilities, potentially paving the way for James to seize the opportunity.
The upcoming Olympic halfpipe event on Friday is expected to showcase snowboarding’s most demanding tricks, notably the triple corks. This advanced maneuver was instrumental in Hirano’s previous success, but standards have shifted rapidly, with multiple competitors now expected to land several triple corks to remain contenders for the podium. Notable mentions include New Zealand’s Cam Melville Ives and American rising star Alessandro Barbieri, both of whom have successfully executed this level of difficulty.
Another exciting element to watch will be the potential for snowboarders to incorporate even more complexity, such as a triple-cork 1620—a trick that generated significant excitement when South Korea’s Chaeun Lee achieved it during a training session this year. The contest may hinge on whether any competitor can integrate such groundbreaking moves into their routine.
James, renowned for his distinctive style, faces a dual challenge: while his high-skill jumps and the innovative back-to-back backside 1440s he showcased at the X Games last month highlight his creativity, he may need to balance this with the increasing technical demands to please the judges. Without the inclusion of triple corks, there is a risk that he might once again leave the event with just a medal of silver or bronze.
As the anticipation builds, the upcoming event promises not only fierce competition but also an opportunity for the athletes to push the limits of snowboarding further than ever before. The stakes are high, and for Scotty James, it could very well be the moment that crowns his storied career with the gold medal he has sought for so long.