Scotty James: F1 Dynasty Meets Snowboarding Stardom
Aussie Winter Olympics megastar Scotty James is carving a unique path, not only on the snow but also within one of the world's most prominent sporting families. As he sets his sights on a potential gold medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, his personal life is as captivating as his athletic prowess, marked by his marriage to Chloe Stroll, the sister of Formula 1 driver Lance Stroll and daughter of Aston Martin F1 team part-owner Lawrence Stroll.
A Sporting Crossover Like No Other
Scotty James, a seasoned Olympian and a dominant force in men's snowboard halfpipe, is no stranger to the spotlight. Having already secured Olympic silver and bronze medals, he's now aiming for the ultimate prize – gold – at the upcoming Games. But his life extends far beyond the halfpipe. James is married to Canadian singer-songwriter Chloe Stroll, a union that seamlessly blends the worlds of extreme sports and elite motorsport.
The introduction that sparked this remarkable connection came from none other than Chloe's brother, Lance Stroll. In an interview with the Herald Sun, Chloe recalled Lance's uncanny foresight: "Lance actually called me and said, ‘I think I just found the guy you’re going to marry’." This seemingly whimsical prediction proved to be remarkably accurate. The couple met in 2019, a serendipitous encounter orchestrated by Lance, and began dating, with Chloe describing their initial phase as "getting to know each other" before Scotty officially asked her to be his girlfriend.
From Park City to the Altar: A Love Story
Their romance blossomed, leading to a lavish wedding in Italy in 2023. The star-studded event saw notable figures from the sporting world, including Australian former F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo, who served as one of James' groomsmen. This union solidifies James' place within a family synonymous with speed and success, a stark contrast to his humble beginnings on the slopes of Mt Buller.
The couple now resides in Monaco, a strategic move to remain close to their respective training and professional commitments. This glamorous European base offers proximity to Switzerland and the French Alps, crucial for James' snowboarding preparations, while also keeping them connected to the global F1 circuit.
Family Life and Olympic Ambitions
Adding another layer to their already fascinating life, Scotty James and Chloe Stroll welcomed their first child, a son named Leo, in 2024. This new chapter of parenthood undoubtedly brings a different kind of focus and motivation to James' already driven career.
As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics approach, James is a strong contender for gold. He recently topped qualifying for the men's snowboard halfpipe final, demonstrating his formidable form. The thought of achieving a full set of Olympic medals in his discipline is a significant motivator. "Naturally, being able to win a bronze and a silver, there’s a stone left unturned, and as a competitor and as someone with big aspirations, naturally, the next thing is to win a gold, so I do think about it a lot," James told Nine’s WWOS. He emphasizes a practical approach, focusing on the steps needed to achieve his goal rather than solely dwelling on the outcome.
Navigating the Flow State
James, a four-time world champion and eight-time X-Games gold medallist, understands the intricate balance required for peak performance. He acknowledges the profound impact of his life off the mountain on his performance on it. "I probably emphasise more so what’s happening off the mountain rather than on," he shared. "I feel like I’m always in a good place to do what I love every day when I’m snowboarding on the mountain. I can navigate that. Whereas things off the mountain can definitely define how you feel on the hill, so making sure that you’re on top of all of them ... definitely has an impact on how much you can really lean into that flow state when you get on the mountain."
The Competition Heats Up
The road to Olympic gold will be challenging. Reigning Olympic champion Hirano Ayumu, who narrowly beat James for gold at the Beijing 2022 Games, will be a primary rival. Fellow Australian Valentino Guseli also poses a threat, with aspirations of reaching the podium. A key trick to watch will be the triple cork 1440, a complex manoeuvre that James has already mastered, as evidenced by his top qualifying performance.
As Scotty James continues to push the boundaries in snowboarding, his life story serves as an inspiring example of how diverse sporting passions and familial connections can intertwine, creating a narrative as compelling as any Olympic final.
Milano Cortina 2026: What to Watch
The men’s snowboard halfpipe final is scheduled to begin at 5:30 am AEDT on Saturday, February 14th, with the final runs commencing at 6:28 am AEDT. Tune in to witness Scotty James and the world's best compete for Olympic glory.
