Australia’s newest Winter Olympics medallist Scotty James says the chance to showcase his talents back home made his bronze medal performance in the halfpipe final such a memorable occasion.
The three-time Olympian secured the nation’s first medal in men’s snowboard with his opening run scoring 92 points. American Shaun White won his third Olympic gold with a blistering 97.75 on his final run, while Ayamu Hirano from Japan claimed silver with a score of 95.25.
While admitting he thought he had it in him to put together a gold medal winning run, the 23-year-old said the thought of proudly representing his country and finishing on the podium was something he was incredibly grateful of.
“In my second and third runs I had enough to do it, I guess today just didn’t quite come together for me to get that score and stand on top, which I’m okay with honestly,” James told SEN’s Time On with Sam McClure.
“To me today was more about ‘I get one opportunity in four years to show my country what I do’. I’m just really proud to be here, and flying the flag, and to stand on that podium was quite cool.
“I was very grateful for that.”
James said the magnitude of his performance is not likely to sink in until he receives his medal later tonight.
“It’s been an amazing, overwhelming, emotional time so far with my family, letting it all sink in,” he said.
“I was fighting them back [the tears] for sure.”
To hear Scotty James’ full chat with Sam McClure on Time On listen in the player below