Winter Olympics Gold Medal Hopeful Tied to Billionaire F1 Dynasty
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina showcases athletes from diverse backgrounds, with one standout competitor having a particularly glamorous family connection. Australian snowboarding sensation Scotty James, a favourite in the men's halfpipe final, is married into the wealthy and famous Stroll family, known for their involvement in Formula 1.
Scotty James Aims for Olympic Gold in High-Stakes Final
Scotty James is set to compete in the men's halfpipe final on Friday, seeking his third Olympic medal after earning bronze in Pyeongchang 2018 and silver in Beijing 2022. He topped the qualifiers with an impressive score of 94.00, positioning him as the last competitor in the final, a strategic advantage he plans to leverage. "I feel like being in that position in the final is a really good place to be - you can be a little bit more mindful and strategic," James remarked. However, reigning champion Ayumu Hirano of Japan remains a formidable challenger, despite a pre-games injury.
Marriage Links James to Formula 1 Elite
Beyond the slopes, James's personal life has drawn attention due to his marriage to Chloe Stroll. Chloe is the sister of Lance Stroll, a Formula 1 driver for the Aston Martin team, which is partially owned by their billionaire father, Lawrence Stroll. This connection places James within an illustrious motorsport dynasty, adding a layer of celebrity to his athletic pursuits.
Romantic Beginnings Orchestrated by Lance Stroll
The couple's relationship began with Lance Stroll playing matchmaker. In a 2020 interview with the Herald Sun, Chloe recalled, "Lance actually called me and said, 'I think I just found the guy you're going to marry.'" They met during a conference in Park City, Utah, coinciding with one of James's competitions, and dated for several months before officially becoming a couple.
Family Milestones and Wedding Details
Scotty James and Chloe Stroll got engaged in 2021 and married in Venice, Italy, in 2023, with former Red Bull F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo serving as a groomsman. They welcomed their first child, a son named Leo, in 2024, blending their athletic and high-profile lifestyles.
James's Olympic Journey and Career Highlights
At 31, James is participating in his fifth Winter Olympics, having debuted at age 15 in 2010. Despite multiple World Championships and X Games victories, Olympic gold has eluded him, making this final a pivotal moment in his career. "I wanted to come out and put my best foot forward to try and qualify first," he said, expressing confidence in his performance.
Other High-Profile Partners at the Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics features other athletes with notable partners, such as Dutch speed skating gold medallist Jutta Leerdam, who is engaged to influencer Jake Paul. This trend highlights the intersection of sports and celebrity culture at the games.
Viewing Options for Fans
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games run from February 6-22, with over 850 hours of live coverage available on discovery+ via Prime Video. A £3.99 subscription provides access to TNT Sports 2 for continuous Olympic action.
