Jake Vedder

Quick Facts

• Specialty: Men's Snowboardcross
• Son of Rob and Michelle Vedder
• Has one sibling, Mitchel
• Hobbies include mountain biking, kite surfing, wakesurfing and skateboarding
• Finished as the top junior snowboarder on the Nor-Am Cup circuit in 2014-15
• Aspires to be an athletic trainer or physical therapist after completing his education and snowboarding career

Biographical Information

Jake Vedder began snowboarding at age 5 at Mt. Brighton, a local hill with just 250 feet of vertical drop—a stark contrast to the massive mountains where world cup competitions take place. What started as winter recreation quickly evolved into a passion that would carry him to international success.

Vedder's breakout year came in 2016 when he captured gold for the United States at the Youth Olympic Winter Games Lillehammer 2016, earned multiple NorAm Cup podiums and made his first world cup appearance. That Youth Olympic gold medal opened doors, earning him an invitation to train with the U.S. Snowboard Cross Development Team. By 2018, he had advanced to the national team's A squad and claimed a Junior World Championship gold medal in Cardrona, New Zealand. His steady progression continued as he accumulated six individual world cup podiums and one team podium between 2018 and 2024, establishing himself as a consistent performer on the international circuit.

Vedder earned his first Olympic nomination for the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, where he delivered an impressive sixth-place finish in men's snowboard cross—the top result among all American competitors. He also competed in the mixed team event alongside teammate Faye Gulini, placing ninth. His Olympic debut marked a significant milestone in a career built on determination and creative training solutions. Living in Michigan, far from major snowboarding destinations, Vedder and his father designed and built a custom start gate system in their garage, complete with artificial snow and timing technology that tracks reaction times and speeds. This innovation has given Vedder a unique training advantage and reflects the resourcefulness that has defined his journey.

Beyond competition, Vedder remains deeply connected to his Michigan roots and committed to giving back to his community. He regularly visits children's hospitals throughout metro Detroit, spending time with young patients and sharing his Olympic experiences. His partnership with Wish Upon a Teen helps make long-term hospital stays more comfortable for teenagers facing medical challenges. Vedder credits the "Metro Detroit grit" and unwavering support from his parents and local community for driving his competitive fire and work ethic. He has also been involved in creative projects, including a comic book series documenting his life story, aimed at inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams regardless of obstacles.

Olympic Experience

• 1-time Olympian
  • Olympic Games Beijing 2022, 6th (Snowboardcross - Men), 9th (Snowboard Cross Team - Mixed)

World Championships Experience

• Most recent: 2025 – 7th (Snowboardcross - Men)
• Years of participation: Snowboardcross - Men 2019, 2021, 2023, 2025; Snowboard Cross Team - Mixed 2019
• Top finish: 5th – 2019 (Snowboardcross - Men)