2026 Olympics Day 6: Ukrainian Appeal, Kim Surpassed in Skeleton

Tears of joy and heartbreak marked Day 6 of the 2026 Winter Olympics. The spotlight was on two standout events: Choi Gaon’s triumph in the snowboard halfpipe and Vladyslav Heraskevych’s controversial disqualification in men’s skeleton.

Choi Gaon Wins Halfpipe Gold, Surpassing Chloe Kim

South Korean snowboarder Choi Gaon, just 17 years old, captured the gold medal in the women’s snowboard halfpipe. She earned a score of 90.25, advancing from a challenging start earlier in the competition. This victory not only made her the first female Korean snow sports athlete to win gold but also marked the first snowboarding medal for South Korea.

Choi’s journey to the top was not easy. She faced an initial crash that required medical attention and struggled during her second run. Her perseverance paid off as she delivered a stunning performance on her final run.

• Choi’s winning run featured advanced maneuvers including backside 900s and frontside 720s.
• Chloe Kim, the two-time defending champion, brought home the silver medal.
• Theirs is a decade-long relationship of mentorship, having trained together at Mammoth Mountain, California.

Choi shared her victory with Kim, who expressed deep pride for her protégé. “It’s really a special moment,” Kim remarked, emphasizing their bond.

Ukrainian Appeal: Vladyslav Heraskevych’s Disqualification

In stark contrast to Choi’s victory, Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych faced disqualification from his event. He wore a helmet adorned with images honoring athletes killed in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) deemed this act a violation of their anti-messaging rules.

• Heraskevych is appealing the IOC’s decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
• He maintains that his gesture was misinterpreted and emphasizes the need for solidarity with Ukraine.
• The IOC has removed his Olympic accreditation amidst the controversy.

Heraskevych’s helmet has become a focal point of global discussions regarding political expression at the Olympics. He aims to reverse the IOC’s ruling in time for the upcoming runs in the competition.

Other Highlights from Day 6

U.S. Men’s Hockey Team Triumphs

The U.S. men’s hockey team improved their standing with a decisive 5-1 victory over Latvia. Despite an initial struggle, they found their rhythm in the second period. Brock Nelson scored two goals, marking a strong debut in his Olympic career.

Speedskating Success for the Netherlands

Dutch speedskater Xandra Velzeboer set a new world record in the 500-meter short track during the semifinals. She later secured gold in the final with a time of 41.609 seconds, outperforming silver medalist Arianna Fontana of Italy.

The day encapsulated the essence of the Olympics, showcasing triumphs that uplift and challenges that provoke thought. As the Games continue, the stories of both challenge and celebration will resonate throughout this year’s competition.