While Jake Pates has yet to compete on the Olympic stage, he has made a mark at the junior level, winning gold medals in both halfpipe and slopestyle at the 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games. On the pro circuit, Pates’ focus is on the halfpipe, which he attacks with an aggressive, fast style that generates good amplitude and makes him exciting to watch.

The Colorado native, who began snowboarding at the age of 8, has twice finished in the top ten at the Burton U.S. Open (2014 and 2017). He’s also had decent success at U.S. Grand Prix events, with three top-five finishes since the start of 2016.