Here is your revised version with “James Chase Olympic Gold at Milano Cortina 2026” added naturally so it reads smoothly: Every product featured is independently chosen by our editors and specialists. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. You can learn more about our process and how we test products on our website. As excitement builds around James chase for Olympic gold at Milano Cortina 2026, fans around the world are preparing to watch one of the most anticipated moments of the Winter Games.
As for Scotty James, there’s just one achievement left on his list. He has claimed Olympic bronze in PyeongChang and silver in Beijing, along with multiple X Games gold medals. The only medal missing from his collection is Olympic gold. Now competing at his fifth Winter Games — and riding in career-best form — he has a genuine opportunity to finally secure it at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
James dominated qualifying in Livigno with an impressive 94.00 score, and he did it without unveiling the most talked-about trick combination he has landed this season. It suggests there is still more to come.
If you plan to wake up early for just one event at these Winter Olympics, this is the one worth setting your alarm for.
When Is the Men’s Snowboard Halfpipe Final?
The men’s snowboard halfpipe final takes place:
Saturday at 5:30am AEDT
Yes, it’s an early start. But this is classic Olympic viewing — strong coffee, a quiet house, and one Australian chasing history.
James qualified in first place, which means he will drop late in the order. That’s significant. In Beijing 2022, Ayumu Hirano claimed gold with the final run of the night. In halfpipe finals, everything can change in the last moment.
James Chase Olympic Gold at Milano Cortina 2026: How to Watch in Australia
Coverage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will be available across:
- Channel 9 (free-to-air)
- 9Now (streaming)
- Stan Sport (subscription required)
If you want uninterrupted coverage, Stan Sport is your best option. For traditional TV viewing with your morning coffee, Channel 9 will have live coverage.
Whatever you choose, log in early. A 5:30am final doesn’t allow time for tech issues — or a missed alarm.
Why This Final Feels Different
This isn’t just another medal opportunity. It feels like the moment.
At 31 years old and entering his fifth Olympics, James brings experience, composure, and unfinished business. He has conquered almost every major stage in snowboarding — but he hasn’t yet delivered that perfect Olympic run.
- After qualifying, James made his mindset clear:
- “I’m going to try and pull off the best run of my life. And I think that’s what it’s going to take to win.”
- When asked whether he has something new planned, he responded with a grin:
- “The lips are pretty locked.”
He added:
“This is my fifth Games. I’m pretty vintage from an experience perspective. I’ve watched my peers and how they strategise — and I’ve strategised too. But it’s the finals. You’ve got to bring something special. And that’s what I plan to do.”
The Competition Won’t Be Easy
- James won’t have the pipe to himself.
- Japan’s Ayumu Hirano — the defending Olympic champion — remains a major threat. Teammate Valentino Guseli, who also qualified for the final, expects a huge showdown.
- “I think he’s going to be cooking up stuff that no one’s seen before. But it won’t be new for him.”
- “Finals is going to be insane. It’s going to be the biggest show ever.”
- Guseli admitted he may need to add two additional tricks to stay competitive. That’s how high the standard will be.
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The Format
- Each rider gets two runs
- Best score counts
- The highest score wins gold
Simple structure. Massive stakes.
One Medal Missing
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- Scotty James has spent over a decade proving he belongs among snowboarding’s elite.
- Now, at Milano Cortina 2026, everything points toward one final goal.
- Gold is the only thing missing.
- And this might be his moment.