At 18 months old, Aaron Blunck was on skis. His grandfather is credited with starting the ski school in Crested Butte, and his mother was a ski instructor as well.

In 2012, Blunck won a bronze medal in halfpipe at the Youth Olympics. Two years later, he was a member of the inaugural U.S. Olympic team headed to Sochi. The Colorado native ended up finishing in 7th place.

The 2016/17 was one of the best yet in Blunck’s young career. He won a gold medal at X Games and was crowned the AFP halfpipe champion — the first time he had accomplished either feat.

Blunck’s career-best result at Dew Tour was a second-place finish back in 2013. That event served as an Olympic qualifier and helped get him a spot on the team.