Chloe Kim's bid for a third consecutive Olympic gold medal has been thrown into doubt after the American snowboarder dislocated her shoulder during a training session in Switzerland.
The 25-year-old, the dominant force in women's halfpipe snowboarding for nearly a decade, revealed the injury on Thursday, sharing video of the fall that occurred in Laax, a key pre-Olympic venue. She landed a manoeuvre cleanly but lost her edge shortly afterwards, sliding awkwardly into the wall.
With the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics less than a month away, Kim said she remains unsure whether she will be able to compete. An MRI scheduled for Friday is expected to determine the severity of the injury and the timeline for her return. 'I don't have much clarity right now,' she said, adding that she is doing everything she can to remain hopeful.
Despite the dislocation, Kim reported no significant pain and retained range of motion, though instability remains a concern as the joint has popped out multiple times since the initial injury. She emphasised that her form on snow had been strong prior to the fall, fuelling optimism that she could return quickly if cleared by doctors. 'I feel really good about where my snowboarding is at,' she said. 'Once I'm cleared, I know I'll be ready.'
Kim is attempting to become the first woman to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals in halfpipe snowboarding, a feat that would further cement her status as one of the sport's all-time greats. She secured her place on the US Olympic team last spring after winning the 2025 world championship and finishing the season ranked number one in the world.
In a caption accompanying the video posted on Instagram, Kim described riding through 'waves of emotions' since the fall, acknowledging both frustration and resolve. She said her immediate focus is rest and rehabilitation, with the goal of returning as soon as possible.
