Australian Scotty James has made history as the first Australian to win three Winter Olympic medals, but fell heartbreakingly short of a long-awaited gold in a thrilling men’s snowboard final.

James was the hot favourite for the final but he suffered an early setback after falling to land the final trick in his first run. He bounced back in spectacular fashion in his second run, but his 93.50 fell short of Yuto Totsuka, the 2021 world champion, who scored a whopping 95.00 points in his second run of three.

The 31-year-old, competing at his fifth Winter Olympics, looked on course to snare the gold in the final run of the night but he couldn’t land his final trick, the dejected Aussie looking shattered as he slumped to the ice.

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LIVIGNO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: Scotty James of Team Australia falls in run three of the Men’s Snowboard Halfpipe final on day seven of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Livigno Snow Park on February 13, 2026 in Livigno, Italy. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)Source: Getty ImagesAustralia’s Scotty James reacts after his run to win the silver medal in the men’s snowboarding halfpipe finals at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Livigno, Italy, Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)Source: AP

“He ran out of pipe because he was willing to give it everything, all that he had to gain that gold medal around his neck,” former snowboard champions Torah Bright said on Channel 9 commentary, speaking through tears.

“Heartbreak and greatness stand side by side. He was willing to risk it and he literally had it, but he ran out of pipe.

“Oh, Scotty, we love you no matter what. You are the man.”

James becomes the first Australian to win three medals at the Winter Olympics. His silver followed Josie Baff’s snowboard cross gold medal earlier on Friday — as Australia equalled their best ever Winter Olympic medal haul from 2010.

Silver medalist Scotty James of Team Australia. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

James, already regarded as one of the greatest snowboarders of all-time, won his fifth-consecutive X Games title last month — and eighth overall — and is a four-time world champion.

But he had one mountain still left to climb having taken bronze at Pyeongchang 2018 and silver in Beijing four years ago.

James wiped away tears on the podium as he received his silver medal from fellow Olympian Jess Fox.

Japan’s Ryusei Yamada took the bronze with 92.00.

Fellow Australian Guseli bounced back from the disappointment of crashing on his first two runs to score 88.00 with his final run, placing him fifth.

From left, silver medalist Australia’s Scotty James, gold medalist Japan’s Yuto Totsuka and bronze medalist Japan’s Ryusei Yamada celebrate after the men’s snowboarding halfpipe finals at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Livigno, Italy, Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)Source: AP

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.”

James topped Thursday’s (AEDT) halfpipe qualifiers, scoring a whopping 94.00 points in his first run at Livigno Snow Park.

The Aussie executed a switch backside double cork 1440 Japan – with four full rotations – as part of a five-trick routine, finishing 2.75 points clear of his nearest competitor.

But James knew he’d need to produce his absolute best in the final considering the depth and quality of the field.

“I think the top six, anyone can win and I don’t think that’s been the case before,” James said after the qualifiers.”

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