Chloe Kim’s Protégé Choi Ga-on Claims Olympic Gold, Foiling Three-Peat but Earning Silver Celebration
By Sports Desk
Livigno, Italy – In a thrilling women’s snowboarding halfpipe final at the 2026 Winter Olympics, 17-year-old South Korean sensation Choi Ga-on stunned the world by clinching gold, denying her mentor Chloe Kim a historic three-peat while Kim celebrated her silver medal with grace and pride.
The event unfolded on Thursday, February 12, at the Livigno Snow Park, where Choi overcame a dramatic early crash to deliver a flawless third run scoring 90.25, overtaking Kim’s leading 88.00 from her first run. Kim, the two-time defending champion from the 2018 PyeongChang and 2022 Beijing Games, faltered in her second and third attempts with falls, settling for silver as Japan’s Mitsuki Ono took bronze.
Choi’s victory marks multiple milestones: she becomes the first South Korean to win Olympic gold in a snow sport and the youngest gold medalist in women’s halfpipe history, eclipsing the record previously set by 17-year-old Kim in 2018.
A snowy evening in Livigno for the Snowboard Halfpipe!
Gaon Choi wins the Republic of Korea’s first GOLD medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games!
Silver for legend Chloe Kim and bronze for Japan’s Mitsuki Ono!
#MilanoCortina2026 #Olympics #Snowboard… pic.twitter.com/LZo87CUDm1— Milano Cortina 2026 (@milanocortina26) February 12, 2026
Post-event interviews revealed a heartwarming mentor-protégé bond. Kim, 25, described Choi as her ‘spitting image’ and a ‘force,’ expressing immense pride in the sport’s progression. ‘I’m so proud knowing that I was kind of able to lead and push this progression,’ Kim said, noting Choi’s inspiration from watching her compete years ago. Kim’s family even helped bring Choi to train in the U.S. at Mammoth Mountain, solidifying their connection.
Kim’s journey to Milan Cortina was no easy feat. She revealed competing with limited preparation—only eight days on snow all winter—due to a torn labrum in her shoulder, planning surgery upon return. Despite the setback, she attempted ambitious back-to-back double cork 1080s in her second run, a maneuver that would have been a first in women’s competition had she landed it.
Adding a personal touch, NFL star Myles Garrett, Kim’s boyfriend and Cleveland Browns defensive end, traveled from Ohio to support her live. The couple, public since May 2025 at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, balances demanding careers—Garrett in the NFL, Kim traveling globally for training.
Historic Performances Amid High Drama
The final was packed with intensity. Choi’s opening run ended in a heavy crash requiring medical attention, but the teenager rebounded spectacularly. Her technical masterclass in the third run secured the win, celebrated as South Korea’s first Olympic snow sport gold.
Kim, originally from Torrance, California, with South Korean immigrant parents, entered as the favorite aiming to be the first snowboarder—male or female—to win three straight Olympic golds. Her first-run 88.00 put her atop the leaderboard initially, but Choi’s 90.25 proved insurmountable.
The competition also saw concerning moments, like Chinese snowboarder Jiayu Liu being stretchered off after a worrisome fall, highlighting the event’s risks.
Kim’s Legacy and the Sport’s Future
Kim’s Olympic resume is stellar: gold at 17 in 2018, back-to-back in 2022, eight X Games golds, and multiple world titles. She’s the first woman to land a cab double cork 1080 in competition at the 2025 Laax Open. Silver in 2026 adds to her medal collection, and her gracious response underscores her sportsmanship.
‘I think that I’m so grateful for my success,’ Kim shared, emphasizing pride in athletes like Choi carrying the torch. Choi, inspired by Kim, credits her as the spark for her Olympic dreams, training under her influence in California.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Games continue to deliver upsets and triumphs. Choi’s win signals Asia’s rising dominance in snowboarding, with South Korea and Japan medaling prominently. Kim’s silver keeps Team USA competitive, as cross-country skier Jessie Diggins also earned bronze on the same day.
Broader Olympic Context
Day 6 of the Olympics featured standout moments, from Choi outshining Kim to other live updates. The halfpipe event captivated global audiences, with NBC Sports highlighting Kim’s bold attempts and Choi’s resilience.
As the Games progress in Italy’s stunning venues, stories like this mentor-protégé rivalry remind us of snowboarding’s evolution. Kim, now with two golds and a silver across three Olympics, leaves an indelible mark, while Choi emerges as the new face of the sport.
Expect more drama as athletes push limits in the remaining events. For Kim and Choi, their shared history promises continued inspiration for future generations.
Word count: 1028