As we get into the thick of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Team USA is proving to be the competitive force that the world has come to expect from our nation. While I take pride in seeing my country rack up the medals, what really inspires me is the success stories of some of our youngest athletes. 17 year-old Red Gerard and 17 year-old Chloe Kim are the breakout stars of this year's games and the real-life superheroes repping the Red, White and Blue.

When I witnessed Red Gerard, a Cleveland native, make Olympic history with a solid third run in men's slope-style to become the youngest US male gold medalist since 1928, I wanted to know more about him. I compared him to Peter Parker on social media and the similarities seem even more apparent now. On the day of his historic run, the Olympian was running late because he misplaced his jacket, similar to how the Marvel icon lost his job for not delivering pizzas on time and missing his exam for showing up late in "Spider-man 2."

He's also an underdog who trailed all the way back from 12th place. Regardless, just like the web-slinging hero, Gerard defied expectations and achieved greatness with his high air and crazy rotations (as you can see, I prefer using the technical terms). He even has his own catch phrase for when he reigns victorious in competition. Yes, I'm referring to the infamous "Holy f*ck!" that likely any 17 year-old would shout on live TV if they won an Olympic gold medal.

Chloe Kim, the other US Olympic superstar who won gold for women's half-pipe, is a hero in her own right. Even though she wasn't trailing in her event (she practically clinched gold on her first run with a score of 93.75), she knew that there was more in her. As a byproduct of her persistence, Kim broke her own record with a score of 98.25 on her third run. I admire the fact that her own personal victory meant more to her than the gold. Kim is also insanely charismatic with her fun tweets and bubbly personality. Truly a role model for strong young women everywhere.

The road to gold for Red Gerard and Chloe Kim serve as a real inspiration to me. These are two athletes, even younger than I am, that have tremendous heart and a flaming passion for what they do. They have taken the opportunity that has been presented to them and made the most of it. They exemplify the best values that America was built off of: hope, determination and the will to succeed. This upcoming generation is strong and they are in no hesitation to make their mark early.