As the Winter Olympics came to a close in Pyeongchang, North Korea, the United States has won more than twenty-two medals, two of which were gold medals won by teenage snowboarders. Red Gerard, a 17-year-old from Colorado, won the gold medal in the Men’s Slopestyle competition on February 11. Likewise, Chloe Kim, a 17-year-old from California, won the gold in the Women’s Halfpipe competition on February 12. These wins, coupled with the other medals from the US, served to unite the country in praise for the incredible athletes representing the country. Gerard and Kim’s wins on the slopes showed young athletes all over the world that hard work and dedication pay off.

Gerard overcame a rushed morning on the day of his win, something that would’ve thrown many athletes off of their game. His determination, carefree attitude, and sheer skill allowed Gerard to secure the gold medal after nearly doubling his overall score. According to TIME, “Fans adore his carefree approach to race day — news reports described how he binge-watched Brooklyn Nine-Nine the night before his first event, woke up late and lost his jacket, and then nailed it on the mountain.” His exhibition of technique, especially at a young age, continues to encourage young athletes all over the country.

Kim had a less hectic morning before her run, securing the gold medal in the Women’s halfpipe in a victory run. Her grace throughout the run and the effortless look to her technique showcase the time and effort that she has put into her sport for years.  According to The LA Times, “In capturing gold, she became the first woman in Olympic history to land consecutive 1080s — two triple rotations. Her near-perfect score of 98.25 outdistanced silver medalist Liu Jiayu of China by almost 10 points…her Olympic experience has not only boosted her celebrity, it seems to have touched her in a personal way that extends beyond sport, perhaps helping her to reconcile a childhood spent straddling two cultures.” Kim is a Korean-American and has been praised by both nations after her win, showing just how much the Olympics bring nations together in support of athletes.

These Olympic games have brought the nation together, uniting individuals from all over the globe behind athletes, especially young ones like Gerard and Kim. Many other athletes have been pillars of athleticism and harmony, showing that a shared love of sport is all you really need.