Valentino Guseli interpreted a snapped camera cable during the Winter Olympics halfpipe final as an omen for teammate Scotty James, who ultimately did not win gold.
During the 2026 Winter Olympics halfpipe final, Valentino Guseli, a teammate of renowned snowboarder Scotty James, experienced what he believed was an extraordinary omen when a camera cable snapped in the closing moments of James's final run. Guseli described the incident as a sign from the 'shred gods', suggesting that it symbolized a destined victory for James. As James attempted a challenging maneuver—a backside double cork 1620 Japan grab—which would have rounded out what seemed to be a perfect run, spectators were startled by the dramatic snap of the cable, further heightening the tension of the moment.
The equipment malfunction created a chaotic scene with the broken cable landing dangerously close to spectators, prompting officials to intervene quickly to ensure safety. Despite the distracting nature of the incident, James maintained that he was unaware of the cable snap occurring overhead and could not attribute his failure to land the final trick to it. This incident, while thrilling in its chaotic spectacle, ultimately did not shift the outcome of the competition.
In the wake of this dramatic moment, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was reached for comments regarding the safety measures in place that allowed such an equipment malfunction to occur so close to the crowd. The event showcases not just the high stakes of athletic performance but also the unpredictable nature of live sports, where every moment is charged with potential significance, both on and off the field.
