A dejected Scotty James has apologised to his Australian supporters after falling short of an elusive gold medal in the men’s snowboard halfpipe at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
James secured his third Winter Olympic medal, an Australian record, after finishing second in Friday’s final, with his best score of 93.50 falling short of Japan’s Yuto Totsuka, who took gold with a 95.00. Fellow Japanese competitor Ryusei Yamada received bronze, while Australian young gun Valentino Guseli finished fifth with an impressive score of 88.00.
After failing to land the last trick of his third and final run, James dropped onto his haunches and buried his head into his hands, wiping away tears on the podium.
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Speaking to Channel 9 after the final, James declared he was “really proud” of his achievement, but couldn’t help but feel “a little bit disappointed” having once again missed out on gold.
“It’s hard to win medals at the Games,” he said.
“I have big ambitions and wanted to come away landing the run regardless of the medal, and I wasn’t able to do that.
“It is what it is, and the show goes on. The sun will rise tomorrow.
“My little boy will need me tomorrow. He won’t care what medals are on my neck.”
He added: “I’m happy to be out here representing the country, most importantly, and to be able to win another medal is amazing.”
The 31-year-old then delivered a message to his Australian supporters back home.
“To everyone back in Aus, love you, thank you. It’s been a hell of a ride, and I’m sorry I couldn’t get it done for you, but we keep going,” he said.
“I could cry, honestly. I’m holding back tears a little bit. I really wanted to win for you all, for my family and my friends, and I was unable to do that.
“It sounds silly to apologise for winning an Olympic medal, but I’m okay to wear my heart on my sleeve and be real about what I wanted out of tonight.
“We keep fighting. That’s what we do as Aussies.”
Asked what his 15-year-old self would think of his career achievements, James responded with a smile: “He’d say, ‘Put a bloody smile on your face, you sook, and go and have a beer. Life’s not so bad.’
“He would also say, ‘Just keep chipping away.’ I love what I’m doing. I love this sport. I love the competition.”
James also confirmed he had no retirement plans at this stage.
“I’ll keep going,” he said.
“I love it, and to be honest, I still feel like I’m in the prime.
“I tried my best, as I do all the time, and I came up second best, which is still amazing.
“I feel like I can still spearheading this sport, and I plan to do so well into the future.”
James concluded the interview by quipping: “I can’t wait to see you all soon for many schooners.”
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