There’s no way you can dislike Red Gerard. He’s always been a natural with the media. And he became a certified ‘media darling’ after winning America’s first gold medal at the 2018 Olympic Games. The 17-year-old toured the spotlight with his trademark laissez-faire attitude, seemingly not the slightest bit nervous while the world stared at him. But President Trump kinda threw the snowboarder off his usually-tight game a bit.
When the president hosted a celebration for Team USA athletes—which has long been a tradition—it was clear Red had made an impression on him, as Trump pulled him up in front of the mic. “He must be a wild guy,” Trump said. “These snowboarders are a little wild… where’s Redmond?”
As Gerard approached the podium, he looked incredulous. “So when you’re up there doing all sorts of things,” asked the president, “do you know what’s happening?” The audience looked on, laughing.
“It’s kind of like a blank mind sort of thing,” Gerard answered. “You’re just hoping to land on your feet.”
Then Trump asked him to say a couple of words, something which Gerard was unprepared for. “Dude, come on,” he laughed. “You can’t put me on the spot like this!” Yes, he called the president, ‘dude.’ Impromptu speeches are a tough ask for anyone, though, if we’re keeping it real. Especially when asked by the President of the United States.
While the celebrations went smoothly, there were a few notable absences. Gus Kenworthy, Mikaela Shiffrin, Lindsey Vonn, and figure skater Adam Rippon have all voiced their displeasures with the current administration. None were there.
In recent and related news (albeit People magazine-ish, so pardon us), Big Air silver medalist Kyle Mack made good on a Twitter promise to visit Ivanka Trump, both Mack and Gerard had made virtual inroads. Ivanka sent Mack a tweet congratulating him and Mack fired back asking for a ride home on Airforce 1. Trump responded by saying she was flying commercially but extended an invitation to visit her at the White House any time. Mack, like any good pal, invited Gerard to tag along.
Thanks for the invite! @RedmondGerard and I will stop by after our next few competitions.
— Kyle Mack (@_KyleMack) February 25, 2018
Twitter flirting and then this: a rendezvous at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, April 26. Images: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
