Livigno, February 12: In a dramatic showdown at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, 17-year-old Choi Ga-on of the Republic of Korea produced a breathtaking comeback to clinch gold in the women’s snowboard halfpipe, denying American great Chloe Kim a historic third consecutive Olympic title.
Competing in her Olympic debut at Livigno Snow Park, Choi overcame a brutal opening-run crash to deliver a sensational third run that earned 90.25 points — a score that ultimately secured her the top spot on the podium.
The teenager had appeared shaken after slamming into the icy lip of the pipe and falling hard in her first attempt, lying still for several tense moments as heavy snow fell. But she regrouped mentally and physically to produce a near-flawless final ride, sending the crowd into raptures and leaving only two-time Olympic champion Kim to respond.
Kim, 25, who had posted 88.00 in her opening run and looked poised for history, fell early in her final attempt, ending her bid for a third straight gold — a feat never achieved in Olympic snowboarding. She settled for silver with 88.00, marking the first time she leaves a Winter Games without gold.
Japan’s Mitsuki Ono claimed bronze with 85.00 in a chaotic final that saw multiple falls.
A Full-Circle Moment
The result carried emotional weight beyond the medals. Kim and Choi share a unique bond dating back nine years to a test event in Pyeongchang ahead of the 2018 Games, where Kim — then also 17 — announced herself on the Olympic stage with her first gold.
Recognising Choi’s potential early, Kim and her father supported the young rider’s journey to train in the United States. After Choi’s victory was confirmed, Kim’s father was among the first to embrace her and her team in celebration.
“It’s such a full-circle moment,” Kim said. “She’s someone I’ve known since she was little. Seeing her now standing next to me on the Olympic podium is special.”
A Star Fulfilled
Choi’s triumph marks the first Olympic gold medal in snow sports for the Republic of Korea and fulfils years of promise. In 2023, at just 14, she became the youngest X Games superpipe champion, breaking Kim’s record. That same year, she won her debut World Cup event before a fractured back ruled her out for the remainder of the season.
This Olympic campaign, however, she entered in dominant form, winning every World Cup she competed in prior to the Games.
“I cried really hard after the first run,” Choi admitted. “I thought maybe I should quit. But something inside kept telling me, ‘You can do this. You have to go on.’ That pushed me forward.”
Kim’s Grit
Kim’s silver came despite significant adversity. She entered the Games with limited competition this season after dislocating her shoulder and sustaining a torn labrum in training in Switzerland. Competing in Livigno with her shoulder in a brace, she still looked formidable and fearless.
“I’m so proud of myself,” Kim said. “There was a lot of conversation about a third gold, but I’m just glad I made it here. I really gave it my all.”
While Kim will now undergo shoulder surgery, it was Choi’s night in Italy — a dream comeback under the lights that announced the arrival of a new Olympic champion.
Source: BBC, Milano Cortina 2026
Discussion about this post