Choi Ga-on Blocks Chloe Kim’s Third Gold in 2026 Winter Olympics Halfpipe

Choi Ga-on made headlines at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy by winning gold in the halfpipe event, blocking Chloe Kim’s chance for a third consecutive Olympic title. This victory not only underscored Choi’s talent but also solidified her status as a rising star in snowboarding.

Choi’s Journey to Olympic Glory

At just 14 years old, Choi Ga-on’s potential had been recognized in the snowboarding community for some time. In 2023, she made history by winning the X Games superpipe gold, becoming the youngest athlete to achieve this feat. This was also the same year she won her first World Cup event but faced a setback when she fractured her back, sidelining her for the rest of the season.

Olympic Season Dominance

Entering the 2026 Olympic season, Choi demonstrated her resilience by winning every World Cup she participated in. However, her Olympic journey began with a challenging qualification round, where she placed sixth. Chloe Kim led the qualification with a score of 90.25, a score that Choi would match in the finals.

• Qualification Round: Choi secured sixth place.
• Leading Qualification: Chloe Kim scored 90.25.

A Thrilling Final

The Olympic final proved difficult for Choi. On her first run, she suffered a hard fall, hitting the icy lip of the pipe, and lay motionless for several moments. Despite the heavy snowfall and the daunting situation, she recovered and delivered a breathtaking performance in her third run, securing the gold medal.

Emotional Aftermath

Choi’s coach was overcome with emotion upon witnessing her incredible achievement. Choi herself shared her feelings, stating, “It’s the kind of story you only see in dreams.”

She also reflected on the mental challenges she faced during the event: “After the first run, I actually cried really hard, thinking maybe I should just quit the Olympics here.” However, the determination to continue pushed her forward to victory. “You can do this. You have to go on,” she reminded herself.

Conclusion

Choi Ga-on’s journey at the 2026 Winter Olympics not only highlights her athletic prowess but also serves as an inspiring tale of perseverance. Having blocked Chloe Kim’s bid for a third gold, she has undoubtedly cemented her place in Olympic history.