US teen nails gold, is first medallist born this century

Pyeongchang, FebRUARY 12

Wild winds disrupted the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics today as a 17-year-old American snowboarder made history by becoming the first Games gold medallist born this millennium. Aged 17 and 227 days, Gerard handed the US their first gold of the Pyeongchang Games with his slopestyle win, making him the youngest US Winter Olympic champion since 1928. Gerard, born on June 29, 2000, also set a record for the youngest gold medallist in any snowboarding event that was held previously by Kelly Clark, the 2002 women’s halfpipe champion at age 18 years and 199 days.
“I cannot believe it,” Gerard said. “I’m shaking right now, maybe from the cold, or the excitement. I don’t know. But I’m ecstatic. I can’t believe it. I’m super-psyched!” said Gerard, who wants to attend film school for the next two years.
“I’d have to guess people are pretty surprised,” Gerard said. “I had a lot of fun and all I really want to do is just land runs.”
From deathbed to Olympics glory
Eleven months ago Mark McMorris was fighting for his life after breaking 17 bones and suffering a collapsed lung and ruptured spleen in a snowboarding accident. Today he won Olympic bronze. The 24-year-old staked an early claim for the most inspirational story at the Pyeongchang Winter Games in the snowboard slopestyle, sealing third behind compatriot Max Parrot, in silver, and Amercian teenage gold medallist Gerard.
Talking after winning bronze, McMorris reflected on his journey from near-death to worldwide headline maker. “I don’t want to think too much about the past today, but I appreciate the fact I’m here on my snowboard,” he said. “Whatever the outcome was today, just me being pumped on being able to ride a snowboard.
“I think a lot of time I need to pinch myself because now I feel so good and comfortable on my board, but eight months ago I probably didn’t think I was going to be able to snowboard at this level ever again.”