By no means does Ohio-born snowboarder Louie Vito consider himself fluent in Italian. But he’s steadily learning the language and even getting familiar with his new country’s national anthem. You know, just in case. Even long shots can dream a little. For years, Vito, who parlayed his halfpipe career into one of a part-time celebrity, has represented the red, white and blue of Team USA.

For Beijing, he’s switching to the green, white, and red of Italy as he returns to the Olympic arena for the first time since taking fifth on the halfpipe at the 2010 Vancouver Games. More than medals this time it’s about honoring the heritage of his Italian grandparents. “This means a lot to me ... and something that I’m not just dipping one foot in,” the 33-year-old Vito said in a recent interview with The Associated Press. “I’m all in.”