Jake Vedder has been racing snowboardcross since he was eight years old, but 2016 was a true breakout year for the Michigander, who calls the town of Pinckney home. Vedder scored multiple Nor-Am Cup podiums and his first World Cup appearance, but his big break was winning a gold medal for the U.S. at the 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Winter Games. Watch for this young phenom to do well on the international circuit in years to come.  

What are your go-to travel items?
Bose headphones, muscle stim kit and my camera

What are your pre-competition rituals/superstitions?
I do the same stretch/breathing routine every morning before I race.