Australia's Scotty James claims record-equalling gold medal with never-before-seen combo
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Australian snowboarding star Scotty James has his sights set on an elusive Olympic gold after clinching his fifth consecutive X Games title.
James dominated the superpipe under lights in Aspen, Colorado, over the weekend, extending an unbeatable winning streak that cements his status as the man to beat at Milano-Cortina.
The victory marks James' eighth career gold medal at the global action sports event, drawing him level with American legend Shaun White for the most X Games snowboard golds.
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Scotty James in action during the men's snowboard superpipe final at the X Games. Jamie Squire via Getty Images
The 31-year-old James has now surpassed White for all-time superpipe podiums, securing his 11th career medal in the discipline.
James set the pace early in the three-run final, opening with a commanding score of 92.33.
The run was headlined by a switch backside 1440, marking the first time the trick has ever been landed in X Games history.
On his second attempt, James looked set for another high score until he came up short on a landing near the finish. After clipping the lip of the pipe, he opted to skip his final hit, resulting in a score of 30.33.
However, James saved his best for last.
His third run featured a switch backside 1440 into a backside 1440 — a combination never before seen in competition.
Scotty James crowd surfs after his winning run in the men's snowboard superpipe. Michael Reaves via Getty Images
Despite a slight hand drag on his final landing, the judges rewarded the historic technicality with a massive 95 points to secure the gold.
Rounding out the podium was Japan's Haku Shimasaki, who claimed silver with a score of 89.66, and Japan's Shuichiro Shigeno, who took bronze with an 85.00.
Reflecting on his win, James admitted he rides with a "chip on his shoulder".
"I came out, and I never take anyone for granted, all my competitors that I ride against, every year they get better, and tonight I knew I had to do something to put my best foot forward and try and win," he said.
"I think they inspire me as well. I think maybe I've got a chip on my shoulder every year, thinking maybe it wouldn't be expected to show up and try again and win again, and I managed to do that today, and I am speechless.
"I wanted to do something for myself and for the halfpipe and push backside riding as much as I can, and tonight I think that was always the plan. I wanted to come out and do the first-ever back-to-back backside 14s ever. So I am pumped."
Scotty James celebrates. Jamie Squire via Getty Images
James now turns his attention to next month's Winter Olympics, where he is aiming to become the first Australian winter athlete to secure three Olympic medals.
Heading into his fifth Games, his sights are set firmly on the top step of the podium.
The opening ceremony of the Games will be held on February 6.
