Scotty James gets rock star reception in special return to Tintern Grammar

SNOWBOARDING sensation Scotty James made a triumphant return to Tintern Grammar this morning — and received another medal for his bulging trophy cabinet.

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BRONZE is nice, but snowboarding sensation Scotty James will always be Tintern Grammar’s golden boy.

James, who graduated in 2013, was mobbed by junior students this morning as he and his family made a special return to the Ringwood East school, showing off the bronze medal he won in PyeongChang last week.

And he picked up another medal at the assembly — after the school made him a gold medallist in the Person Reflecting The Tintern Compass — for displaying its values and being a brilliant ambassador on the world stage.

James, who was also Australia’s flag-bearer, prioritised a return to the school to thank staff and students their amazing support.

Students and staff packed out the gymnasium and cheered wildly last week as he carved it up on the South Korean slopes.

James was presented with a medal of a different kind. Picture: Alex Coppel

“I’ve built many a half pipe here ... most of them in the sand pit,” James said.

“When I finished, the one thing I wanted to do was get home and see all the people that helped me, and this is where I started.

“All these kids around the school have been amazing during the whole campaign and its really cool to get back so soon and enjoy it with them.”

James said he planned to celebrate with friends in his hometown of Warrandyte this weekend before flying out to the US for a competition next week.

Tintern Grammar principal Brad Fry said James’ prompt return was incredibly special for students.

“That level of humility is so rare in elite athletes, it’s remarkable,” he said.

“It speaks volumes of how grounded he is, for someone who is so young, he has such a wise head on his shoulders.”

Mr Fry said James would make another return to school to meet with its senior students` after his competition in the US.

James with his bronze medal, and students at Tintern Grammar. Picture: Alex Coppel