Ollie Martin and Red Gerard Unite Old and New in USA Snowboarding
As the 2026 Winter Olympics prepare to showcase extraordinary talent, snowboarders Ollie Martin and Red Gerard embody the blend of youth and experience. Both competitors are set to represent Team USA in various snowboarding events in Milan, Italy.
Ollie Martin: A Rising Star
At only 17 years old, Ollie Martin expresses fulfillment in realizing his childhood dreams. He recalls feeling immense pride as he prepared for the Olympics, stating, “Everything that I’ve wanted since I was a kid has sort of coming to fruition.” Martin, along with fellow 17-year-old Alessandro Barbieri, is considered a potential breakout star in alpine snowboarding.
A Competitive Spirit
Martin is poised to compete in the men’s slopestyle and big air competitions. The qualifiers will kick off on February 5 at Livigno Snow Park, one of the Games’ earliest events. This competition will see the top 12 of 30 entrants advance to the finals on February 7.
Red Gerard: Olympic Veteran
Red Gerard, at 25, is one of the more seasoned competitors on Team USA. A veteran of three Olympic Games, he won a gold medal in slopestyle at PyeongChang in 2018. In Beijing, he narrowly missed podium finishes, ending fifth in big air and fourth in slopestyle.
Team Dynamics
Gerard’s experience extends to camaraderie, as he brings approximately 45 friends and family members to support him in Milan. He shares aspirations to recapture the excellence he displayed when he was younger, stating, “I feel like I’m riding the best I ever have.”
Legacy and Preparation
Both Martin and Gerard have made significant preparations for the Olympics. Martin’s journey accelerated last year, placing in the top three for big air and slopestyle at the 2025 world championships. He is also recognized for being the youngest athlete to complete a 2160 rotation.
Inspiration and Tools for Success
- Martin credits a small snowboarding figure his mother insisted he bring to the Olympics for helping him visualize and practice tricks.
- Gerard admires Martin’s unique skills and recognizes the mutual motivation between them, stating, “Ollie’s his own beast. I look up to him, man.”
As the competition draws near, both Ollie Martin and Red Gerard look to prove themselves on the international stage and honor their country in the thrill of winter sports. With a mix of youthful ambition and veteran experience, they represent the promising future of American snowboarding at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
