Red Gerard's Cleveland Tribute Snowboard Lights Up Milan Olympics
In the snowy peaks near Milan, Italy, the 2026 Winter Olympics are underway, and one athlete is turning heads not just with his skills, but with a heartfelt nod to his roots. Red Gerard, the 25-year-old snowboarding sensation from Rocky River, Ohio, has arrived with a custom pro model snowboard that screams Cleveland pride. As he gears up for big air qualifying on Thursday and slopestyle later in the Games, Gerard's story is a blend of hometown inspiration, family fervor, and a drive to reclaim Olympic glory.
From Rocky River to Olympic Stardom
Red Gerard's journey to the Olympics began in the heart of Northeast Ohio. Growing up as the sixth of seven children in Rocky River, a suburb of Cleveland, Gerard discovered snowboarding at a young age. His raw talent quickly propelled him onto the national stage, leading to his breakout moment at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. At just 17, the wide-eyed teenager shocked the world by winning gold in slopestyle, becoming the youngest American male to claim an Olympic snowboarding title.
That victory wasn't just a personal triumph; it put Rocky River and Cleveland on the global map. Gerard's infectious personality—complete with his now-famous post-win interview where he admitted to sleeping through his alarm—endeared him to fans worldwide. But the road since Pyeongchang hasn't been all smooth runs. In the 2022 Beijing Olympics, held amid COVID restrictions, Gerard finished fourth in slopestyle and fifth in big air. The pressure of expectations weighed heavily, turning what should have been a celebratory return into a learning experience.
Now, entering his third Olympics, Gerard is more mature and focused. Living in Colorado for training, he still calls Cleveland home in spirit. "I'm just trying to get back to that 17-year-old self," Gerard shared during a pre-competition press conference. "I know what it takes. I feel like I’m riding the best I ever have." His confidence stems from consistent performances, including two Winter X Games titles, and clinching the first spot on the four-member U.S. snowboarding team late last year based on his 2024-2025 season results.
The Custom Snowboard: A Symbol of Cleveland Pride
What sets this Olympics apart for Gerard is his new pro model snowboard, a milestone for any athlete. Designed to honor his origins, the board features a detailed map of Cleveland and an iconic image of the Guardians of Traffic from Hope Memorial Bridge. This isn't just aesthetics—it's motivation on the mountain.
"I was really honored when I got my first pro model," Gerard explained. "As a snowboarder, it’s what I dreamed about... So, when it came down to the deadline, it was like: ‘Let’s just go back to where I’m from.’ I’m from Cleveland. They’re such a great fan base there." The design serves as a daily reminder of the support from his community, where his family still resides. In a sport often dominated by flashy graphics, this tribute stands out for its authenticity, resonating with fans back home who see a piece of their city soaring through the air.
Impact on Performance and Inspiration
Gerard believes the board's personal touch will fuel his performance. Snowboarding slopestyle and big air demand creativity and precision—tricks like spins, flips, and massive jumps over rails and jumps. With the Cleveland imagery under his feet, he's channeling that underdog energy Cleveland is known for. Analysts note that such personal elements can reduce pre-competition nerves, helping athletes like Gerard stay in the zone amid the Olympic spotlight.
Family Fleet: 45 Supporters in Milan
Unlike the isolated Beijing Games, where no family could attend due to pandemic rules, Milan is a family affair for Gerard. Approximately 45 relatives and friends from Northeast Ohio have made the trek to Italy, a stark contrast to the 20 who watched in Pyeongchang. "They were bummed to miss Beijing," Gerard laughed. "It’s like a crazy group, man... Brothers are having kids now, so maybe it’ll be a mellower crew."
This massive support network adds emotional fuel. Gerard's large family has been his backbone, from backyard practices in Ohio winters to cheering at local events. Their presence in the stands could be the edge he needs, especially as he navigates the mental side of competition. In interviews, he's emphasized treating the Olympics like any World Cup event—focusing on landing tricks without overthinking judges—while soaking in the once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere.
Navigating the Reversed Schedule and Road to Medals
The 2026 Games introduce a twist: big air kicks off before slopestyle, flipping the usual order. Gerard, who's stronger in slopestyle, will start with big air qualifying on February 4, finals on the 6th, and slopestyle beginning February 16. Most competitors, including Gerard, prefer the traditional sequence, as big air's high-flying tricks can fatigue athletes for the rail-heavy slopestyle.
"In the positive outlook, I think it’ll be nice to kind of like hit big air, get your reps on getting your bigger tricks, and hopefully not be as scared to put them into a slopestyle," Gerard noted. As the U.S. team's anchor, his experience could set the tone. Past results—gold in 2018 slopestyle, fifth in big air both Olympics—position him as a medal contender, but rivals from Canada and Japan are fierce.
Challenges and Optimism
The Livigno venue's setup, with its Olympic big air jump based on challenging terrain, tests adaptability. Gerard's strategy? Stick to proven tricks and embrace the pressure. With his Cleveland board and family cheering, he's poised for a redemption arc. If he medals, it'll be a win for Rocky River, Cleveland, and every underdog dreamer.
Looking Ahead: Legacy in the Making
As Red Gerard straps on his tribute snowboard, the Milan Olympics represent more than medals—they're a celebration of roots and resilience. Whether he podiums or not, his story inspires young athletes in Ohio and beyond. Clevelanders, get ready to rally: your hometown hero is ready to shred. Follow his runs on NBC and Peacock for live coverage, and who knows? Another gold could be on the horizon.
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