Great Scott
YOU COULD BE FORGIVEN IF, UPON LOOKING AT THE LIFE AND CAREER OF AUSSIE SNOWBOARDER SCOTTY JAMES, YOU CAME TO THE VIEW THAT IT ALL LOOKS RATHER EASY.THAT HE’S THE RARE BLOKE WHO CAN GET AWAY WITH DOING THINGS BY HALVES, BECAUSE, WELL, HE’S TWICE AS GOOD AS THE NEXT GUY.
From a child prodigy to the most successful Australian snowboarder of all time, 27-year-old James’ ascent to half-pipe dominance has a storybook, boy-wonder quality about it. The past six months alone have seen James cement his place in the snowboarding pantheon, with a fourth gold medal at the X Games and a silver medal at the Winter Olympics in Beijing. Proposing to musician and Formula 1 heiress, Chloe Stroll, was the icing on a very delectable cake. Throw in some lucrative endorsements with the likes of Red Bull and Optus, and James’ life could hardly look any better.
When I first met James back in October, chatting from his pre-season base in London, perhaps only the man himself could comprehend the possibilities that lay ahead of him. There, in the affluent suburb of Chelsea, James was a world away from his half-pipe refuge, but amid the hubbub of a Men’s Health cover shoot, he appeared laid-back and in control. If he was feeling nervous about any of his upcoming engagements, both professional and personal, he didn’t let it show. James was candid and forthcoming about his goals for the upcoming season in Europe, North America and Asia, leaning forward in excitement as he outlined his preparation and high expectations for the northern winter.
As time progressed, so did his story. In November
