In 2014, Joss Christensen made history by becoming the first-ever Olympic gold medalist in freeski slopestyle. In that event, he was also part of a U.S. podium sweep with teammates Gus Kenworthy and Nick Goepper.

It was a moment that almost didn’t happen. Just a few weeks earlier, he looked like a longshot to make the Olympic team, and he was considering the possibility of retiring from freeskiing and going back to school if he was unable to qualify. But the Park City native scored a victory at the selection event that was held at his home resort, which led to him earning a discretionary spot on the team.

In Sochi, Christensen learned a new trick — a switch rightside triple cork 1260 Japan — during practice and used it in his winning run.