Chloe Kim Tries for Third Gold Medal Despite Injury and New Rival Snowboarders

Chloe Kim is aiming to win her third Olympic gold medal in snowboarding. She has a shoulder injury and will compete against younger riders, some of whom she has taught. This will be an interesting challenge for the experienced athlete.
By Newsroom | Sports, Olympics |

Chloe Kim, a dominant force in Olympic snowboarding, faces a complex challenge at the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. While aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive gold medal in the women's halfpipe, Kim is also contending with a recent shoulder injury and the emergence of a new wave of talented snowboarders, some of whom she has mentored. This juncture presents a narrative of veteran skill tested against youthful ambition and physical adversity.

Chloe Kim must beat her protégés if she wants to make Olympic snowboarding history - 1

The central tension lies in Kim's pursuit of historical achievement amidst personal physical limitations and the rise of her own protégés.

Chloe Kim must beat her protégés if she wants to make Olympic snowboarding history - 2

Historical Context and Kim's Ascendancy

Chloe Kim's journey in snowboarding has been marked by remarkable early success.

Chloe Kim must beat her protégés if she wants to make Olympic snowboarding history - 3

  • Youngest Champion: At just 17 years old, she became the youngest woman to win an Olympic snowboarding gold medal at the 2018 PyeongChang Games in the halfpipe.

  • Defending Champion: She successfully defended her title at the 2022 Beijing Games, becoming the first woman to achieve this feat in the same event.

  • Dominant Record: Kim boasts a formidable record, including six Winter X Games titles and two halfpipe world titles. She is the first athlete to win gold at the Olympics, World Championships, Youth Olympics, and X Games. She has tied with Shaun White for the most halfpipe wins in X Games history with eight.

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Her career began at a young age, learning to snowboard at four years old. By 13, she was already competing at the X Games, finishing second. Her path to the Olympics was briefly interrupted by age restrictions, but her debut at PyeongChang solidified her status as a snowboarding prodigy.

Chloe Kim must beat her protégés if she wants to make Olympic snowboarding history - 4

The Present Landscape: Injury and Rivalry

The approach to the Milano Cortina 2026 Games sees Kim facing new challenges:

  • Shoulder Injury: Kim recently dislocated her left shoulder in December 2025, tearing her labrum. This injury has impacted her training, although medical assessments suggest it is less severe than initially feared. She has stated she will compete with only one fully healthy shoulder.

  • Emergence of New Talent: Kim has openly acknowledged mentoring younger snowboarders. Athletes like Choi Gaon from South Korea, whom Kim considers an "idol," are now strong contenders. Choi has achieved multiple World Cup golds in the current season and expresses a desire to showcase "pure snowboarding with very stable skills" against her idol.

  • Personal Growth and Perspective: Kim has spoken about a shift in her mindset, aiming to make decisions for herself rather than to please others. This personal evolution comes as she balances her pursuit of a third gold with the understanding that results do not solely define her legacy. She has previously experienced profound disappointment, including discarding a gold medal in anger after a competition.

The upcoming competition presents a unique dynamic for Kim:

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  • Mentoring the Competition: Kim's role as a mentor to rising stars like Choi Gaon creates an interesting personal dynamic. While she has expressed a sense of "getting old" seeing her protégés reach the Olympic stage, she also seems to embrace the evolving talent pool.

  • Focus on Performance: Despite the physical setback and the presence of strong competitors, Kim is projecting confidence and a relaxed demeanor. She emphasizes muscle memory and the thrill of performing new tricks, including one she has never attempted before.

  • Olympic Experience vs. Youthful Hunger: Kim's extensive experience and proven ability to perform under pressure are significant assets. However, younger athletes like Choi Gaon are driven by a fresh hunger and the opportunity to challenge established champions on the biggest stage.

Evidence of Kim's Current Condition and Mindset

Multiple reports detail Kim's current state:

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"She was bright and bubbly, flashing her famous smile over and over, oozing a cool confidence two days before she competes on a stage she’s owned since she was 17 years old." - The New York Times (The Athletic)

"Chloe Kim is prepared to defend her Olympic title, even with one healthy shoulder." - Los Angeles Times

"An MRI scan revealed Kim's labrum injury was less serious than feared - though it still prevented her from training at capacity before the Games." - Olympics.com

"After processing the disappointment of this latest setback, she decided to take on the challenge with positivity. Kim eventually returned to top-level competition reenergised and with a new mantra: she would no longer make decisions on or off the snow to please others." - Olympics.com

"My aim is not only to perform impressive tricks but also to showcase pure snowboarding with very stable skills.” - Choi Gaon, Olympics.com

Expert Perspectives

While direct expert commentary on Kim's specific performance at this moment is not extensively detailed in the provided texts, the general consensus highlights her enduring caliber:

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  • Her consistent success across major competitions like the X Games and World Championships underscores her status as a perennial contender.

  • The narrative of her comeback from injury and her mental preparation suggests a veteran athlete focused on managing her condition to achieve peak performance.

  • The emergence of a new generation of snowboarders, exemplified by Choi Gaon's World Cup success, indicates a competitive landscape that will test even Kim's storied abilities.

Conclusion and Implications

Chloe Kim stands at a significant juncture in her illustrious career. Her pursuit of a third consecutive Olympic halfpipe gold medal is not merely a quest for individual history but a testament to her enduring passion and resilience in the face of a challenging injury. The presence of rising talents, particularly those she has influenced, adds a layer of compelling personal narrative to the competitive fray.

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  • Implications for Kim: The injury necessitates careful management of her physical condition. Her mental fortitude and adaptability will be crucial in navigating the pressure of defending her title against hungry competitors.

  • Implications for the Sport: Kim's continued presence, even with physical limitations, provides a beacon for younger athletes. Her potential to achieve a third gold would further cement her legacy as one of snowboarding's greatest figures.

  • Next Steps: Kim's performance in the upcoming halfpipe events will be closely scrutinized. Her ability to execute demanding tricks while managing her shoulder will be key to her success. The performances of emerging rivals like Choi Gaon will also shape the narrative of the competition.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Chloe Kim win a third gold medal?
She is trying to win her third gold medal in a row. She has won gold before and is a very good snowboarder.
Q: Is Chloe Kim injured?
Yes, she hurt her shoulder recently. Doctors say it is not as bad as they first thought, but she will compete with one healthy shoulder.
Q: Are there new snowboarders who can beat Chloe Kim?
Yes, there are new, young snowboarders who are very good. Chloe Kim has even helped some of them learn. One young rider, Choi Gaon, is a strong competitor.
Q: How does Chloe Kim feel about the competition?
She seems confident and is excited to perform. She is focusing on doing her best and enjoying the sport.