SNOWBOARD: Moments after securing his Olympic bronze Scotty James was immediately thinking about how he could use his success to help the next generation of Aussie snowboarders.

James hopes that young athletes back home in Australia will now be motivated to put on a snowboard and fly just as high as he did in PyeongChang.

“I’m just a kid from Warrandyte that’s worked so, so hard to get to where I am,” the three-time Olympian said.

“I want to go home and see all the kids of Australia and share my story with them and let them know that it is possible.

“At the end of the day my biggest goal is that I want to put snowboard halfpipe on the map in Australia, there are so many things I want to achieve and this is just the start.

“I want to create avenues for kids of Australia to be able to do what I did in the pipe.

“I’m really excited to be able to do that.”

One way that James believes the next generation could be in a better position to excel would be to have halfpipe in Australia.

“That would be absolutely amazing.

“All the competitions that I am doing are all opportunities to make my dreams a reality which would be to have a halfpipe in Australia.

“That would be amazing so that I could be nearby to home and train instead of heading overseas to find pipes all year round.

“Not only for me though for the kids and for their future.

“I’m open to having them ride and train with me. I want to share my knowledge and ensure they get the same opportunity as any other kid around the world.”

James carried the Australian flag at the Opening Ceremony and has continued to prove a leader both on and off the snow in PyeongChang.

Matt Bartolo
olympics.com.au