It certainly wasn't easy, but Red Gerard will live to snowboard another day at the Winter Olympics.
The 17-year-old Rocky River native qualified for the finals of men's big air Tuesday night by finishing sixth in his qualification heat, the absolute lowest he could've finished without being eliminated.
WATCH | Gerard's qualifying run
Gerard's score of 85.00 just barely allowed him to qualify, with competitors Staale Sandbech of Norway and Rowan Coultas of Great Brtain each finishing just a quarter point and half point back, respectively.
Back in Rocky River, Red's relatives could not contain their emotions when they learned he had done enough to move on.
Gerard, who won the gold medal in slopestyle more than a week ago, has admitted that big air is his weaker event, and his score was still far behind top qualifier Max Parrot's 92.50. The Canadian Parrot took the silver behind Gerard in slopestyle.
The second men's big air qualification heat will take place later tonight, with the finals set for this Friday.