Chloe Kim Claims Silver in Emotional Women’s Halfpipe Final at 2026 Winter Olympics, Falls Short of Historic Three-Peat
Levano, Italy – American snowboarding sensation Chloe Kim added another medal to her illustrious Olympic collection on Thursday, securing silver in the women’s halfpipe final at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Despite a valiant effort marred by falls, the 25-year-old fell just short of becoming the first snowboarder to win three consecutive gold medals.[1][2]
Kim, hailing from Torrance, California, entered the competition as the heavy favorite. A two-time Olympic gold medalist from PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022, she dominated her first run with a score of 88.00, propelling her to the top of the leaderboard early on.[1][2][4] “Chloe Kim goes flying into first after run 1,” celebrated Team USA on social media, capturing the electric atmosphere as she showcased her signature high-flying tricks under falling snow in Levano.[1]
A Nail-Biting Battle for Gold
The competition intensified as the finals progressed. Kim’s second run ended in disappointment with a fall while attempting back-to-back double cork 1080s – a maneuver that, if landed, would have been a first in women’s halfpipe history.[4] This opened the door for 17-year-old South Korean prodigy Choi Ga-on, who idolizes Kim and seized the moment with a stunning 90.25 on her third run.[1][2]
In her final attempt to reclaim the lead, Kim pushed the limits once more but spilled on her third trick, sealing her silver medal finish. Choi’s score held firm, marking a fairy-tale gold medal win for the teenager in her Olympic debut.[1][2] Remarkably, Kim competed through a torn labrum injury, a testament to her resilience and determination to chase history.[1]
Grace in Defeat: Kim’s Post-Race Reflections
True to her character, Kim wasted no time celebrating her rival’s victory. She immediately approached Choi and her team to congratulate them, displaying the sportsmanship that has endeared her to fans worldwide.[1] In a raw post-event interview, Kim opened up about her disappointment while emphasizing pride in her effort. “I really just wanted to try to make history, not with the medals, but with the runs I was doing,” she said. “I’m so disappointed that I wasn’t able to pull through, but I’m so happy that G took the gold.”[5]
“It was all me… I know that I’m capable of landing that and I’ve landed more than I’ve fallen on. And today just wasn’t my day.”
– Chloe Kim, reflecting on her performance[5]
Pressed on self-criticism, Kim admitted, “I’m going to be hard on myself,” but quickly pivoted to gratitude: “I’m just really proud of myself and happy to have landed a run. Feel so lucky to be out here under the lights, under the snow, all my friends and family.”[5] Her perspective underscores a career defined by perseverance, with no regrets despite falling short of the three-peat.
Star-Studded Support from the Stands
Kim had a powerhouse cheering section trackside, including snowboarding icon Shaun White, rap legend Snoop Dogg, and her boyfriend, Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett. Both Snoop and Garrett donned custom jackets emblazoned with Kim’s face, amplifying the star power at the halfpipe.[1] Garrett, fresh off a historic NFL season as the league’s sack king, has been a fixture at Kim’s events since qualifying, mirroring her support at his games.[1]
The presence of such luminaries highlighted Kim’s crossover appeal, blending elite athletics with pop culture. White, a multiple Olympic gold medalist himself, and Snoop added to the festive vibe, even as the competition unfolded dramatically.[5]
Kim’s Olympic Legacy Endures
With the halfpipe as her sole event at these Games, Kim’s Olympic campaign concludes on a high note – silver joining her two golds for a medal in every appearance. At 25, she leaves Milan-Cortina with her legacy intact as one of snowboarding’s greatest, having redefined what’s possible in the halfpipe.[2][4]
Now, alongside Garrett, she can enjoy the remainder of the Olympics as a spectator, her shiny new medal in tow. Kim’s story of perspective and perseverance resonates beyond the pipe, inspiring athletes and fans alike. As she put it, “It wasn’t meant for me today and that’s okay. It was meant for someone else.”[5]
Broader Olympic Highlights
The day wasn’t without other thrills. Team USA’s men’s hockey squad kicked off with a 5-1 rout of Latvia, powered by a dominant second period featuring goals from Brock Nelson and Tage Thompson, plus captain Auston Matthews.[3] The win sets up a matchup with Denmark on Saturday, as the Americans eye their first gold since 1980.[2][3]
Day 6 of the 2026 Winter Olympics delivered drama, triumphs, and heartfelt moments, with Kim’s silver a poignant reminder of the fine line between glory and grit.