Chloe Kim Pursues Third Consecutive Olympic Gold at Milan 2026
American snowboarder Chloe Kim is poised to make history at the Milan 2026 Winter Olympics, as she vies for her third successive gold medal in the women's halfpipe event. At 25 years old, Kim, hailing from Torrance, California, has already cemented her status as one of the United States' most accomplished athletes, with a career that began in early childhood.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Kim's journey into snowboarding started when she was just a toddler, quickly developing into a prodigious talent. Although too young to participate in the 2014 Sochi Olympics, she showcased her skills by winning a silver medal in the superpipe at the 2014 Winter X Games. The following year, at only 14, she clinched the gold medal in the same event, marking her as a rising star in the sport.
Olympic Achievements and Records
Milan 2026 will mark Kim's third appearance at the Winter Olympics, following her previous successes in Pyeongchang 2018 and Beijing 2022. In both games, she dominated the women's halfpipe, securing gold medals and setting a remarkable record in 2018 by becoming the youngest female athlete to execute two consecutive 1080-degree spins.
Injury Concerns and Competition
As the games approach, a significant question looms over Kim's participation due to a shoulder injury sustained during training. She has been managing a labrum tear but expressed confidence in January, stating she was 'good to go.' If the injury affects her performance, top contenders like Gaon Choi of Korea and Sena Tomita of Japan could challenge for the podium.
Event Schedule and Key Dates
The women's snowboard halfpipe competition is scheduled to begin with qualifying rounds on February 11, followed by the final runs on February 12. The Milan 2026 Winter Olympics will feature a packed calendar, including:
- February 4: Competition starts with curling
- February 6: Opening ceremony
- February 7: First gold medal events
- February 22: Closing ceremony
With her eyes set on a historic third gold, Chloe Kim's performance in Milan will be a highlight of the games, showcasing her resilience and talent on the global stage.
