17-year-old Red Gerard landed an entertaining victory in the men's slopestyle to win the first gold medal for the United States of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics so far.
The youngster scored an 87.16 on his final run to squeeze into first place ahead of Canadian Max Parrot who scored a 86.00.
Gerard, who trains in a facility his older brothers built for him in their backyard, was naturally delighted with the result when turned up for the press conference post the event. When asked were his family enjoying their trip, Gerard confirmed they definitely were and had communicated such to the Olympian through the perfect medium, snap chat.
Seventeen-year-old snowboarder Red Gerard just won the first American gold medal of the Olympics. His family might be having an even better time in Korea than he is. pic.twitter.com/UL19muSCz8
— Deadspin (@Deadspin) February 11, 2018
Gerard was the youngest competitor in the field and thus is unable to join his family in these particular festivities, despite winning the gold.