Redmond Gerard, fondly called 'Red,' won the United States' first gold medal at the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, competing in the snowboarding slopestyle competition. At just 17 years old, Red is the youngest competitor to win a snowboarding gold medal for the United States at the winter games, and the first medalist at the winter games born in the 21st century.
Before Red's last run in the slopestyle competition, he was in 11th place out of 11 snowboarders. But in his final run, he managed to surpass the competition with a score of 87.16 to earn him the Olympic gold. In an interview with NBC a year ago, Red admitted the Olympics weren't on his mind.
Snowboarding, on the other hand, has always been on this new Olympian's mind. Growing up in Silverthorne, Colorado, Gerard's brothers taught him to snowboard on their homemade backyard slopestyle course. "They were always so helpful with me," Gerard said. "They were always wanting me to learn new tricks and teaching me how to do stuff."
All of Red's family have been extremely supportive of his snowboarding career, as well. Seventeen people came to support Gerard in Pyeongchang; parents, siblings, and siblings' significant others are there cheering on Red as he makes his Olympic debut.
After his win, Red was on cloud nine, as I imagine most Olympic gold medalists are. "I couldn't believe that I even made it onto the podium at the Olympics," he said. Gerard has another chance at an Olympic medal in the big air competition on February 21.
At just 5'5, Red is small but mighty. Though Red may not be able to achieve the same speed as some of his competitors, his small stature allows faster spins and quick maneuvers. Gerard isn't bothered by his size though. Despite his height, he was still able to win an Olympic Gold, which makes him pretty much able to accomplish anything. However, he isn't the only U.S. snowboarder dominating in Pyeongchang. Shaun White, Chloe Kim, and Jamie Anderson have all secured gold medals for the United States in their respective snowboarding events.
Shaun White, also referred to as 'The flying tomato,' won his third Olympic gold medal in the men's halfpipe, scoring a 97.75 during his third run. In the Olympic qualifying runs, White earned a perfect score of 100 for his halfpipe routine. Chloe Kim, another of Team USA's younger members at just 17, won her first Olympic gold in the women's halfpipe. Kim also received an almost perfect score, winning with a 98.25. Chole felt winning the gold in South Korea was a special moment for her family, as her parents are immigrants from South Korea. Jamie Anderson secured an Olympic gold medal in the women's slopestyle in Pyeongchang as well. A score of 83 won Anderson her second Olympic gold in the slopestyle competition.
The Olympics continue until February 25th, so tune in to catch historic moments for Team USA.
