Silver linings: Scotty falls short on Australia’s greatest day at the Winter Olympics
Sydney Morning Herald
by Vince RugariFebruary 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Australia experienced a historic day at the Winter Olympics as Scotty James became its most decorated winter athlete, despite narrowly missing out on gold in the men’s halfpipe final. The day marked Australia’s second-most successful day in冬奥会 history, with multiple medals secured across various events. James, known for his signature red gloves and relentless pursuit of Olympic glory, ended the competition with two silvers and a bronze medal, leaving him deeply disappointed.
In a heartbreaking moment, James, as the top qualifier, had the final drop-in but fell short of overtaking Yuto Totsuka, who secured gold with a score of 95.00. James attempted a high-risk backside double-cork 1620 in his final run, aiming to compensate for a lack of variety in spins compared to his rival, who showcased five directions. However, his landing was imperfect, resulting in a lower score of 93.50. Reflecting on the moment, James admitted, “The difference was me. I didn’t execute well. If I executed, I feel pretty confident I would have won.”
James’ ambitious approach to progression over protection highlights his belief that he has a higher calling beyond just winning medals. This mindset aligns with Australia
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/13/2026