Jake Pates, a 27-year-old American halfpipe snowboarder competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy, made a playful announcement on Instagram from the Olympic Village. In a short video, he appeared in official Olympic clothing and casually let followers know he would be single on February 14. He captioned the clip “Free sam 14.2. btw” and added the text “Ako je netko slučajno pitao 🤷,” which translates to “If anyone was wondering.” The light-hearted post quickly caught fire.
Fans flooded the comments section with enthusiastic and flirty responses almost immediately. Women in particular jumped in with witty and direct reactions. One wrote “Dobro za znati,” meaning “Good to Know.” Others left messages like “What a coincidence, me too 😍 ☺️,” “I’m in bed next to you if you’re lonely 😉,” and “We’ll make sure people find out.”
Many commenters joked about the sudden surge of direct messages Pates was likely receiving. Remarks such as “I can’t even imagine the messages in the inbox” and “This is top 🔥” showed how quickly the post turned into a viral moment. Some fans teased that he would be “cuddling with the Olympic medal” instead of a date. The overall tone was playful and supportive, turning a simple status update into an online sensation.
The reactions highlight how social media allows athletes to share personal moments even during the intensity of the Games. Pates’ timing, just days before Valentine’s Day, gave fans an extra reason to engage. Comments ranged from heart and fire emojis to outright expressions of interest. The thread became a mix of humor, admiration, and light flirting.
Jake Pates is no stranger to the Olympic stage. The Colorado native previously competed in the halfpipe event at the 2018 Winter Games in PyeongChang. His career has included impressive achievements as well as serious challenges. After suffering a major head injury, he went through a long recovery process and has since become an advocate for concussion awareness and athlete mental health.
Snowboard halfpipe is one of the most spectacular events at the Winter Olympics. Riders drop into a 22-foot-high U-shaped structure and perform a series of aerial tricks, spins, and grabs. Judges score runs based on amplitude, difficulty, variety, and execution. The discipline debuted at the Olympics in 1998 and has produced iconic American champions such as Shaun White, who won three gold medals.
Concussions remain a significant concern in action sports like snowboarding. High-speed falls and rotational forces can lead to serious brain injuries. Many athletes, including Pates, now speak openly about the importance of proper recovery, helmet technology, and mental health support. These conversations help reduce stigma and encourage younger riders to prioritize safety.
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina feature more than 100 events across seven winter sports. Athletes live together in the Olympic Village, sharing meals, training facilities, and downtime. Social media has become a popular way for competitors to connect with fans, share behind-the-scenes moments, and occasionally reveal personal details like relationship status.
What do you think of athletes sharing fun personal updates during the Games? Share your thoughts in the comments.
