In a landmark moment for winter sports, Australian snowboard star Scotty James has secured a commanding victory at the prestigious Laax Open in Switzerland, leading the first-ever all-Oceania podium sweep in FIS history.
A Historic Podium for the Southern Hemisphere
The final World Cup halfpipe event before the Milan-Cortina Winter Games witnessed a stunning result. Scotty James, the 31-year-old four-time Olympian, scored a near-perfect 98.75 points on his spectacular second run to claim the win. He was joined on the podium by New Zealand's surprise silver medallist Campbell Melville Ives (91.00) and fellow Australian Valentino Guseli (80.25), who took bronze.
This clean sweep by athletes from Australia and New Zealand marks a significant breakthrough, demonstrating the growing strength of snowboarding talent from the Southern Hemisphere on the world stage.
James Sends a Powerful Olympic Message
Entering the event as the last rider, James knew he needed a score above 91 points to surpass Melville Ives. Under pressure, he delivered a flawless performance, culminating in a groundbreaking two-trick combination never before seen in competition.
The victory is a major confidence boost for James, who has kept a relatively low profile this season while rivals shared World Cup wins. He will now head to the Winter Olympics next month aiming to upgrade his bronze from Pyeongchang 2018 and silver from Beijing 2022 to that elusive gold medal.
"To put it down in my last run is a bit of a dream come true," James said after his win. "We had two Aussies and a Kiwi on the podium which is unbelievable... I'm pumped. We are probably going to be in for one of the most exciting, thrilling and competitive Olympics in history."
Australian Success Across Multiple Winter Disciplines
The remarkable day for Australian winter sports extended far beyond the halfpipe in Laax. In Altenberg, Germany, bobsledder Bree Walker secured a silver medal in the final World Cup monobob race of the season.
This result cemented her second place in the overall World Cup standings, just 17 points behind seasonal champion Laura Nolte of Germany. Walker, who won three World Cup races this season, is now in prime form to challenge for Olympic gold in Italy.
Further success came in Dongbeiya, China, where Australian snowboard cross athletes excelled. Josie Baff won silver in the women's final, while Adam Lambert claimed bronze in the men's event. The duo, childhood friends from Jindabyne in the NSW Snowy Mountains, have now taken the overall World Cup lead in their respective disciplines, earning the coveted yellow leader's bibs.
"This feels like the best form of my career," Lambert noted. "Of course, this gives me confidence going into the Olympic Games, but I need to stay grounded."
Momentum Building for Milan-Cortina 2026
These collective results signal a formidable Australian and Oceanic contingent heading to the upcoming Winter Olympics. The historic podium in Laax, coupled with strong performances in bobsleigh and snowboard cross, suggests athletes from the region are peaking at the perfect time.
Scotty James's dominant display, in particular, sends a clear warning to his international rivals. With the Olympic halfpipe competition promising to be fiercely contested, James has proven he possesses the technical innovation and competitive nerve required to stand atop the podium in Cortina d'Ampezzo.
