Winter Olympics 2026 LIVE: Scotty James and Val Guseli both fall in first finals run
Sydney Morning Herald
by Billie EderFebruary 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Winter Olympics 2026 finals for men’s halfpipe saw Scotty James and Val Guseli face tough challenges in their opening runs. Both athletes fell during their attempts to land difficult tricks, with James dropping into sixth place after failing a backside double cork 1440 and Guseli securing third despite his fall. The competition is fierce, with Japanese riders Ryusei Yamada and Ruka Hirano leading the pack with impressive scores of 92 and 90, respectively. This sets a high bar for other competitors to surpass.
The pressure on Scotty James is particularly intense as he aims for his first Olympic gold medal. His early lead evaporated after the fifth trick, leaving him in sixth place with a score of 48.75. Meanwhile, Val Guseli’s run was highlighted by an incredible second trick—a cab double cork 1080 mute—before he fell on the fifth trick, earning him a 35 and securing third place.
The event has already seen several falls, including those of Kiwi rider Campbell Melville Ives and Chinese competitor Ziyang Wang, who both stumbled mid-run. These results underscore the high stakes and competitive nature of the finals. With only five clean runs out of twelve competitors, the atmosphere is electric as riders push their limits in pursuit of medals.
This event matters globally as it showcases the skill and determination of athletes from various nations. The performances highlight not only the physical demands but also the mental resilience required to compete at the highest level. For readers interested in world sports news, this competition represents a thrilling display of极限运动 (extreme sports) and the intense rivalry between countries like Australia, Japan, and others.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/13/2026