Sports | 2014 Sochi Olympics This American Just Won Gold—for Russia Vic Wild didn't get support he needed from US, he says By Evann Gastaldo Posted Feb 19, 2014 11:57 AM CST Copied Men's snowboard parallel giant slalom medalists, from left, Switzerland's Nevin Galmarini, silver, Russia's Vic Wild, gold, and Slovenia's Zan Kosir, bronze, at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, Feb. 19, 2014. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) Vic Wild is an American, born and raised in Washington state—but the gold medal he won at the Sochi Olympics today was for none other than ... Russia. Why? Wild decided to compete for Russia because his event, men's snowboarding parallel giant slalom, wasn't getting much support in the US, which prefers to invest in other snowboarding events that get more American attention. (ESPN describes Wild's event as "Europe-centric.") "I didn’t have the support I needed," Wild tells ABC News. So he married Russian girlfriend Alena Zavarzina, who he started dating five years ago, gained Russian citizenship, and made the Russian team. The kicker: Zavarzina also medaled today, winning a bronze in the women's version of the event. Read These Next The country of Eswatini is about to be on your radar. Trump has dubbed it the 'Jeffrey Epstein Hoax.' Trump's airstrikes are far outpacing Biden's, by a lot. 500 tons of emergency food for kids abroad: Headed for the trash. Report an error