Red Gerard’s 2018 Olympic Gold: Oversleeping Didn’t Stop Him
On February 11, 2018, Red Gerard made Olympic history in PyeongChang. The 17-year-old snowboarder won gold in men’s slopestyle despite oversleeping the morning of his big final. With quick thinking and raw skill, Gerard turned chaos into triumph, becoming the youngest American snowboarder to claim Olympic gold and capturing the world’s attention overnight.
How Did Red Gerard Pull Off the 2018 Olympic Gold Run?
At 17, Red Gerard stunned the world at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics by winning gold in men’s snowboard slopestyle on Feb. 11, 2018, the first medal for Team USA at those Games. He landed a near-perfect final run to score 87.16, beating Canada’s Max Parrot (86.00) and Mark McMorris (85.20). Gerard started slow with two early falls but delivered when it mattered. His victory made him the youngest Olympic snowboarding gold medalist ever and the first American medallist born in the 2000s.
Gerard pulled off a backside triple cork 1440, a high-risk trick with four rotations and three inverted flips. The crowd erupted as his score flashed up, capturing his raw reaction live on TV.
What Was Behind the Netflix Story and Post-Gold Reaction?
Gerard overslept that morning after staying up binge-watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine with teammate Kyle Mack. He missed his 6 a.m. alarm by 20 minutes and borrowed Mack’s ski jacket in the rush.
His relaxed mindset helped him navigate tricky, windy conditions. After other competitors struggled, Gerard trusted his instincts and executed the run that won gold. His post-victory celebration, including an uncensored expletive, became an iconic moment.
What Does This Win Mean for Snowboarding and Gerard’s Legacy?
Gerard’s gold preserved the U.S. streak in slopestyle, showcased creativity, and fearless style.
His story, from oversleeping to Olympic champion, highlights how focus, skill, and confidence overcome chaos. Today, Gerard remains a fan favorite and key figure in the sport.
Final Remarks
Red Gerard’s 2018 Olympic gold combined timing, adaptability, and daring. In a sport full of creativity, his win stands as one of the most memorable chapters in snowboarding history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Red Gerard scored 87.16 points in his third run and won men’s slopestyle gold on February 11, 2018.
He stayed up watching Netflix and missed his 6 a.m. alarm on February 11, 2018, before the final run.
Gerard landed a backside triple cork 1440, completing four rotations and three flips to secure his gold medal.
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