In the electrifying world of Olympic snowboarding, where gravity-defying tricks meet high-stakes competition, a new star is emerging. At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy, 17-year-old Ollie Martin from Wolcott, Colorado, has etched his name into history as the lone American qualifier for the men's snowboard big air finals. Finishing ninth out of a field of 30 competitors, Martin's performance stands out amid a landscape of seasoned pros and international talent, including strong showings from Japan.
Ollie Martin's Path to Olympic Glory
Ollie Martin isn't your average teenager. Hailing from the snowy peaks of Colorado, a hotbed for American snowboarding talent, Martin has been shredding slopes since he could walk. At just 17, he's already turning heads in the global snowboarding circuit. His journey began in the backyard parks of Wolcott, where local terrain parks honed his skills in big air and slopestyle disciplines. By age 14, Martin was competing in junior national events, quickly rising through the ranks with his precise landings and innovative spins.
Martin's breakthrough came in recent seasons on the World Cup tour, where he notched top-10 finishes in big air events. His style—characterized by clean, high-amplitude jumps and technical grabs—has drawn comparisons to legends like Shaun White and Mark McMorris. But what sets Martin apart is his fearlessness on massive ramps, a trait that's proven invaluable in the big air format. "I've always loved the rush of launching off those huge kicks," Martin shared in a pre-Olympic interview. "It's like flying, but with a snowboard."
Qualifying Run: A Night to Remember at Livigno Snow Park
The opening night of the 2026 Winter Olympics set the stage for high drama under the floodlights of Livigno Snow Park. The venue, nestled in the Italian Alps, features a towering man-made jump built on scaffolding—reaching nearly 170 feet high with a steep incline and a notoriously tight landing zone. For big air specialists like Martin, this setup is a dream; for others, it's a nightmare.
Martin entered the qualifiers with quiet confidence. In his first run, he unleashed a backside 1080 with a solid mute grab, scoring an impressive 85.20 and placing him in contention early. His second jump, a frontside 1260 indy, sealed his spot in the finals with a total that edged him into ninth position. The crowd erupted as he stuck the landing, fist-pumping in celebration. Unlike some peers who faltered on the artificial structure, Martin adapted seamlessly, criticizing neither the setup nor the conditions.
This achievement is particularly poignant given the context of Team USA's snowboarding squad. Olympic gold medalist Red Gerard, the 2018 PyeongChang slopestyle champion and a two-time X Games winner, opted out of pushing for the big air finals after a modest 72.00 score on his final jump. Gerard, who finished 20th overall, was candid about his disdain for the event: "I am not a fan of big air at all." His withdrawal highlights a ongoing debate in snowboarding: the Olympic mandate requiring athletes to compete in both slopestyle and big air, despite specialization trends. Martin, however, embodies the dual-threat potential, having medaled in both formats at junior worlds.
The Bigger Picture: Challenges in Olympic Snowboarding
The tethering of slopestyle and big air in the Olympics has sparked controversy for years. Introduced in 2014 and 2018 respectively, these events demand vastly different skills—slopestyle's varied rails and jumps versus big air's singular, explosive leap. Critics like Gerard argue it's akin to forcing a sprinter to run a marathon, diluting focus and passion. Martin, though young, has navigated this system adeptly, training rigorously in both to secure his Olympic berth.
For Team USA, Martin's qualification is a beacon of hope. With Gerard sidelining big air to preserve energy for slopestyle, the 17-year-old becomes the face of American aspirations in the finals. Experts predict he could podium if he replicates his qualifier form, especially against a field led by Japan's top riders, who dominated prelims with scores in the 90s. "Ollie's got the tricks and the composure," said U.S. Snowboard Coach Mike Jankowski. "He's not just here to compete; he's here to inspire the next generation."
Training Regimen and Personal Drive
Behind Martin's success lies a disciplined routine. Based in Colorado, he splits time between summer dry slopes in New Zealand and winter sessions at Copper Mountain. His coaches emphasize mental prep alongside physical—visualizing jumps hundreds of times before attempting them. Off the snow, Martin balances school with sponsorships from brands like Burton and Oakley, staying grounded in Wolcott's tight-knit community.
At 17, Martin is among the youngest competitors in Olympic big air history, joining a lineage of prodigious talents. His story resonates in an era where youth sports emphasize holistic development. "Snowboarding saved me during tough times," Martin reflected. "It's about pushing limits and landing on your feet—literally."
Looking Ahead: Finals Preview and Legacy
Saturday's big air finals promise edge-of-your-seat action. Martin will face 11 other qualifiers, including Japan's frontrunners and European veterans. To medal, he'll need to dial in a double-cork 1440 or riskier variant, aiming for scores above 90. Weather in Livigno could play a factor, with light snow forecast adding unpredictability.
Beyond the medals, Martin's run underscores snowboarding's evolution. As the sport grows, young athletes like him bridge traditional park riding with Olympic spectacle. For American fans, he's a reminder that the U.S. pipeline remains strong, even as veterans like Gerard pivot. Whether he grabs gold or gains experience, Ollie Martin's Olympic debut marks the dawn of a bright career.
In a sport defined by bold leaps, Martin has already jumped ahead. Team USA snowboarding's future looks as bright as the Alps' powder under sunlight.
