American snowboarding superstar Chloe Kim experienced a devastating setback at the Winter Olympics on Thursday, as a critical slip during her final run shattered her dream of achieving an unprecedented three-peat in the women's halfpipe event. The 25-year-old athlete, who had previously secured gold medals at both the 2018 Pyeongchang and 2022 Beijing Games, was unable to defend her Olympic title successfully, ultimately finishing with a silver medal at the Milan-Cortina Games.
Historic Opportunity Slips Away
Chloe Kim narrowly missed out on making Olympic history by becoming the first snowboarder, male or female, to win three consecutive gold medals in the same event. Her performance was closely watched by a star-studded support group, including her boyfriend, NFL defensive end Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns, and legendary rapper Snoop Dogg. Garrett traveled directly from the Super Bowl in the San Francisco Bay Area to Italy to cheer Kim on during her historic bid.
Injury Challenges Before the Games
Kim entered the 2026 Winter Olympics facing significant physical challenges after sustaining a serious injury during training in Switzerland in mid-January. She revealed that she had torn the labrum in her left shoulder, a critical piece of cartilage in the shoulder joint, which severely limited her ability to practice in the lead-up to the competition. Kim stated that she was only able to resume training shortly before the Olympic events began, adding an extra layer of difficulty to her quest for a third gold medal.
New Champion Emerges
With Kim's stumble, the Olympic title was claimed by Korea's Gaon Choi, who delivered a flawless performance to secure the gold medal. This victory marks a significant moment in snowboarding history, as Choi dethroned one of the sport's most dominant figures. The intense competition highlighted the evolving landscape of women's halfpipe snowboarding, where new talents are rising to challenge established champions.
Despite the disappointment, Kim's silver medal achievement underscores her remarkable resilience and enduring legacy in the sport. Her journey from injury recovery to the Olympic podium demonstrates her determination and skill, even as her historic three-peat ambition remains unfulfilled. The snowboarding community and fans worldwide continue to celebrate her contributions to the sport, while eagerly watching the next chapter of her career unfold.
