Scotty James and Bree Walker Shine Ahead of Winter Olympics

Australian snowboarder Scotty James secured a remarkable victory at the Laax Open in Switzerland, marking his fifth win at this prestigious halfpipe event. Competing in the final World Cup before the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, James scored an impressive 98.75 points in his second run, outperforming New Zealand's Campbell Melville Ives, who finished with 91.00 points, and fellow Australian Valentino Guseli, who took third with 80.25 points. This event marked the first Oceania podium sweep in FIS history, showcasing the strength of Australian and New Zealand athletes in snowboarding.

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James, a four-time world champion, expressed his excitement about the upcoming Olympics, stating, “To put it down in my last run is a bit of a dream come true... I’m pumped.” He aims to improve upon his previous Olympic finishes, having won bronze in PyeongChang 2018 and silver in Beijing 2022. James emphasized the competitive nature of the upcoming Olympics, predicting it to be one of the most thrilling in history.

Aussie snowboarding great Scotty James hits form ahead of Olympics

In a parallel achievement, Australian bobsledder Bree Walker finished second in the final World Cup monobob race of the season in Altenberg, Germany. Walker's time of 1:59.10 secured her a silver medal, just behind America's Kaillie Humphries, who won with a time of 1:58.97. Despite falling short of the overall World Cup title, which was claimed by Germany's Laura Nolte, Walker's performance throughout the season, including three race victories, has positioned her as a strong contender for Olympic gold.

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Walker expressed her satisfaction with her season, stating, “I am absolutely stoked to finish on the podium again... It gives me a lot of confidence and momentum leading towards the Olympic Games.” Her consistent performance has established her as one of the top athletes in her sport.

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Both James and Walker's recent successes contribute to a growing momentum for Australian athletes heading into the Winter Olympics. With James aiming for his first Olympic gold and Walker building confidence from her strong World Cup season, the Australian team is poised to make a significant impact in Milan-Cortina. The upcoming Games, beginning on February 6, 2026, are expected to showcase intense competition across various winter sports, with both athletes eager to capitalize on their recent performances.

The Guardian

Scotty James remarked on the competitive landscape, saying, “We are probably going to be in for one of the most exciting, thrilling and competitive Olympics in history... I can’t wait to go to battle with everyone.” Bree Walker also highlighted her confidence, stating, “It’s been my best season so far, and I am filled with a lot of confidence.”

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• “To put it down in my last run is a bit of a dream come true and feeling good so I just have to keep it up,” — Scotty James, Australian Snowboarder

The Guardian

• “Very happy to finish the World Cup season like this, and it gives me a lot of confidence and momentum leading towards the Olympic Games in 20 days' time.” — Bree Walker, Australian Bobsledder

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As the Winter Olympics approach, the performances of Scotty James and Bree Walker serve as a testament to the potential of Australian athletes on the world stage.

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