Colorado Snowboarders Martin, Gerard, and Canter Poised as Olympic Medal Contenders

Three Colorado snowboarders are gearing up for their chance to shine at the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. Red Gerard, Ollie Martin, and Jake Canter have established themselves as formidable contenders in the slopestyle events.

Meet the Contenders

• Red Gerard: At 25 years old, Gerard is a seasoned competitor. He previously won a gold medal in slopestyle at the 2018 Winter Olympics. He secured his spot for 2026 by ranking as the top American athlete in the World Snowboard Points List.
• Ollie Martin: Only 17, Martin is the youngest athlete to win a World Cup slopestyle event. He captured two bronze medals at last March’s world championship and aims to showcase his skills on the Olympic stage.
• Jake Canter: A 22-year-old competitor from Aspen, Canter qualified for the team by excelling in the U.S. Grand Prix, showcasing a mix of technical prowess and creativity in his routines.

Recent Achievements

Ollie Martin has made headlines as the youngest snowboarder to successfully land a 2160, showcasing his prowess by integrating innovative tricks into his runs. He achieved notable success at the Steamboat Springs World Cup, where he executed a memorable trick combination.

Red Gerard, eyeing a revival of his past Olympic success, is focused on regaining his form from his teenage years. He emphasizes performing tricks he is familiar with while avoiding the stress of judges’ expectations.

Jake Canter celebrated a significant milestone by taking the top spot in the U.S. Grand Prix last month. This victory marked his first World Cup win, illustrating his potential as a serious contender.

Upcoming Events

The trio will compete in the big air qualifier on February 7, followed by slopestyle qualifications on February 16 and finals on February 18. These events promise to highlight the skills and determination of Colorado’s snowboarders.

Mindset and Preparation

As they prepare for the competition, each athlete is focusing on their mental state. Martin acknowledges the pressure of Olympic competition but views it as a privilege. Canter echoes this sentiment, embracing his opportunity to represent the United States.

Their journey is not only about medals but also personal growth and inspiration. For Martin, just being in Milano Cortina is a culmination of years of hard work and dreams.

The stage is set for an exciting showdown in snowboard slopestyle, with these young athletes ready to make their mark. Fans eagerly await the thrilling performances as they strive for Olympic glory.