Champion Aussie snowboarder Scotty James is prepared to risk his LIFE at the Winter Olympics – here’s why

A Winter Olympic gold medal has so far eluded Scotty James in his decorated career – and the Aussie snowboarder is prepared to risk his life in order to achieve glory on the ultimate stage.

It may sound brash, but there is little room for error in James’ pet event, the halfpipe, where outrageous triple and quadruple somersaults are the norm.

But as James is well aware, one mistake can be fatal. 

At 31, James’ CV is glittering, but the born entertainer knows what is missing.

The eight-time X Games champion and four-time World Championships winner finished with a silver medal in Beijing four years ago.

It is a result which haunts the Melbourne-raised athlete – and he won’t leave anything to chance in Milano-Cortina in what will be his fifth Games dating back to 2010.

‘I actually talk a lot in third person. I’m very zoned in on what I’m doing,’ James told Code Sports.

‘It’s obviously five tricks in a (halfpipe) run. A lot of them are very hard and very dangerous and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. 

‘I’ve just got to literally take it one bit at a time and that’s all I focus on.’

Away from the snow, James is equally box-office.

He is married to Chloe Stroll, a Canadian singer-songwriter whose father Lawrence is a billionaire.

They were introduced to one another by Stroll’s brother Lance, who drives for the Aston Martin F1 team.

James is also a father, with his son Leo born in 2024. 

A gold medal in Italy would seal James’ sporting legacy – and such is his prowess, bronze or silver would be viewed as a disappointment by many.

Qualifying for the men’s halfpipe is from 5:30am (AEDT) on February 12, with the final on February 14 at the same time.