With X Games titles, World Championship wins and a historic four-peat in Superpipe under his belt, Scotty James has achieved nearly everything an athlete could hope for—well, almost. For the 31-year-old, whose drive remains as fierce as ever, there is still more to conquer. The Australian snowboarder, who made his Olympic debut at just 15, is firmly on track to becoming one of the sport’s most decorated halfpipe riders.
“What stands out most from that first experience is the mix of nerves and excitement I felt. While my confidence and skill have grown over the years, that same sense of thrill remains unchanged,” he reflects in our exclusive interview. As he prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics, sixteen years on, he looks back on his evolution from a scared adolescent on the Vancouver steps to a four-time World Champion, mentor, husband and father.
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“There’s always room to grow, and I’m constantly pushing myself to improve and evolve,” he shares. As he enters the next stage of his career, preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics—set to take place from 6 to 22 February across Lombardy and Northeast Italy—Scotty remains motivated, with his sights locked on gold. “As much as I love the thrill of competing in the halfpipe, I’m equally driven by the process of refining my skills, staying sharp, and seeing how far I can take it. I’m focused on working hard and getting better every day.”
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However, the path to success has not always been smooth. Like any elite athlete, Scotty has faced his share of emotional and physical hurdles. At just 15, he even came close to giving up the sport entirely. “I went through a period where I lost my passion for snowboarding and even considered quitting. But learning to reconnect with the sport I love taught me a lot about resilience and the importance of mental health,” he says. Physical challenges have been equally relentless: “Injuries are always part of the journey—broken wrists, sprains, and bruises—but I’ve learned to embrace those setbacks, focus on recovery, and keep pushing forward.” Though halfpipe snowboarding demands precision and fearlessness, Scotty believes true growth is measured less by performance and more by perseverance.
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He also continues to give back to the snowboarding community, serving as an active mentor for Australian Snowboarding and as an ambassador for Thredbo. “We were able to build a 13-foot mini pipe and provide snowboarders with the opportunity to have fun and progress their skills. We also just hosted our second annual ‘MOOKi’s Mini Pipe Cup,’ where kids got the chance to ride the pipe with me and compete in a jam-style halfpipe competition on Australia’s only 13-foot mini pipe,” he says.
For Scotty, sincerity is just as crucial to leadership as victory. “If I could share one piece of advice, it would be to stay focused, work hard, and never lose your sense of humility.”
When he isn’t pushing for new heights, he finds beauty in the quieter moments. “I recharge by spending time with my wife, Chloe, and our son, Leo. They always help me feel grounded, and honestly, it doesn’t matter what we’re doing—just being together is enough to reset and recharge.” He admits that becoming a father has given him a deeper sense of purpose. “Leo inspires me each day to go out and give it my all, in the hope that one day he’ll feel motivated to do the same, whether it’s on a snowboard or in whatever brings him the most joy.”
An adventurer at heart, both on and off the slopes, he admits that Laax, Switzerland has always felt like a home away from home, thanks to its incredible atmosphere—his fans, the energy and close-knit community. “I also have a deep appreciation for the X Games in Aspen, Colorado, with its rich history and electric atmosphere. Performing well at events like Aspen is always amazing because of the unique energy the crowds bring, making every run feel unforgettable,” he adds.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.