Chloe Kim Pursues Third Olympic Halfpipe Title Despite Injury
Chloe Kim is gearing up for her third Olympic halfpipe title despite facing challenges due to a shoulder injury. The young snowboarder, who first captured the gold at the 2018 PyeongChang Games, made history at just 17 years old as the youngest woman to earn an Olympic snowboard medal. She followed this triumph with another gold at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
Chloe Kim’s Journey to the Olympics
Now, at 25, Kim is set to compete in the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. This event marks her first competition of the season, having qualified a year ahead. Unfortunately, she is contending with a torn labrum, an injury sustained while training in Switzerland in late January.
Challenges and Preparation
Kim’s injury prevented her from training for a significant period. She described feeling anxiety but found comfort in family support and matcha tea. Resuming training with a securely taped shoulder brace, she believes the restriction on her trailing arm could help enhance her steadiness on the board.
“Once I’m in the competition zone, I fully concentrate on my run, forgetting about the shoulder,” Kim noted. Her mental approach has been crucial, allowing her muscle memory to take over during performances.
Past Achievements and Future Goals
- Gold medal at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics
- Gold medal at the 2022 Beijing Olympics
- Two X Games gold medals
- Two World Cup titles
- Third world championship title in 2025
For her upcoming run, Kim is trying a new routine. She expressed her satisfaction with her preparation and feels confident in her abilities. “If I can perform this run, I’ll be content regardless of placement,” she stated.
Competition Landscape
Chloe Kim will face off against two dozen competitors, including three other American snowboarders: Bea Kim, Maddie Mastro, and Maddy Schaffrick. Despite her injury, Kim is still viewed as a frontrunner for the gold medal.
A potential challenger is Korea’s Gaon Choi, who is 17 years old, the same age Kim was during her first Olympic experience. Choi regards Kim as her idol, adding another layer of intrigue to this year’s competition.
Kim reflects on her relationship with Choi, noting the full-circle nature of their connection, as she has watched Choi develop in the sport. “It feels like I’m seeing a mirror reflection of myself,” she said, highlighting her family’s Korean heritage.
As the women prepare for the halfpipe qualifiers, all eyes will be on Chloe Kim to see if she can claim her third Olympic title.
