Chloe Kim Tries for Third Snowboard Gold Despite Injury

Chloe Kim is aiming for a historic third Olympic gold medal in women's halfpipe snowboarding at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games. She is competing despite a recent shoulder injury, showing her strong spirit.
By Newsroom | Snowboarding, Olympics |

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina features American snowboarder Chloe Kim on the cusp of making history. As a two-time gold medalist, Kim is set to compete in the women's halfpipe, aiming to become the first snowboarder to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals. This pursuit unfolds against the backdrop of a recent shoulder injury, the U.S. men's hockey team's debut, and a new generation of athletes emerging in various disciplines. The games bring together established stars and emerging talent, creating a dynamic competition.

The Olympics are a global stage where athletes push their limits, seeking to achieve personal bests and national glory. For Chloe Kim, the 2026 Winter Games represent a critical juncture in her career, a chance to solidify her legacy.

2026 Winter Olympics: Chloe Kim goes for snowboarding history, U.S. men's hockey take ice and more - 1

Key Events and Competitors

The Milan Cortina Games are scheduled to showcase a range of thrilling events, with snowboarding and ice hockey drawing significant attention.

Read More: Chloe Kim Will Compete in 2026 Olympics With Shoulder Injury

  • Snowboarding:

  • Chloe Kim's focus is the women's halfpipe, where she has secured gold medals in her previous two Olympic appearances.

  • Men's events include snowboard cross finals and halfpipe qualifications.

  • Other notable American snowboarders mentioned include Red Gerard, part of the "Class of 2018," and Bea Kim, a younger athlete inspired by Chloe.

  • Ice Hockey:

  • The U.S. men's hockey team begins its preliminary round, with an early matchup against an unnamed opponent.

  • Freestyle Skiing:

  • The men's moguls finals feature American athletes Nick Page and Dylan Walczyk.

  • Jaelin Kauf, a seasoned competitor, is set to compete in the women's freestyle skiing moguls.

Chloe Kim's Journey to the 2026 Games

Kim's path to the 2026 Olympics is marked by significant achievements and recent challenges.

2026 Winter Olympics: Chloe Kim goes for snowboarding history, U.S. men's hockey take ice and more - 2

  • Historic Achievements: Kim is celebrated as the youngest woman to win an Olympic snowboarding gold medal and the first to successfully defend her title in the same event (halfpipe).

  • Recent Injury: In January, Kim sustained a torn labrum and dislocated her shoulder while training in Switzerland. This injury occurred less than a month before the Opening Ceremony, raising concerns about her participation. Despite the setback, she has reportedly qualified for the halfpipe final while wearing a brace.

  • Mental Fortitude: Following her first Olympics, Kim has spoken about experiencing frustration and burnout. She has also navigated hateful social media comments, which she stated impacted her mental health. Despite past struggles and the current injury, reports suggest she approaches the 2026 Games with a relaxed and confident demeanor.

The Competitive Landscape

The 2026 Winter Olympics highlight a blend of experienced champions and emerging talents across various sports.

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  • Established Stars: Chloe Kim stands as a prominent figure, leading a new era for Team USA snowboarding. Veteran snowboarders like Red Gerard are also part of this transition.

  • New Generation: The games feature younger athletes like 19-year-old Bea Kim, who is inspired by Chloe's success. Martin, a rookie season competitor, is also mentioned as part of this emerging group.

  • Rivalry and Support: While Kim faces competition, she also appears to draw support, with mentions of friends and family attending the Olympics. Analyst Richards suggests Kim's competitiveness sets her apart.

Broadcast and Viewing Information

Fans can follow Chloe Kim's pursuit of a third gold medal through various broadcast and streaming platforms.

2026 Winter Olympics: Chloe Kim goes for snowboarding history, U.S. men's hockey take ice and more - 3

  • Event Schedule: The women's halfpipe preliminary round was scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, with the finals taking place on Thursday, February 12. Specific event times are listed in Eastern Time (ET).

  • Viewing Options: Broadcasts are available on NBC and USA Network, with streaming options on Peacock, NBCOlympics.com, and the associated NBC apps.

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Chloe Kim is attempting to win her third consecutive Olympic gold medal in the women's halfpipe at the 2026 Winter Olympics, despite a recent shoulder injury.

  • Chloe Kim's participation in the women's halfpipe event is the primary focus.

  • She aims to achieve an unprecedented third consecutive Olympic gold medal in her sport.

  • A torn labrum and dislocated shoulder sustained in training present a significant physical challenge.

  • The U.S. men's hockey team is also beginning its competition.

  • The Games are being held in Milan Cortina, Italy.

Expert and Athlete Perspectives

  • Analyst Richards has commented on Kim's distinctiveness, attributing her success partly to her strong competitive drive.

  • Chloe Kim herself has expressed a confident and relaxed attitude leading up to the competition, indicating she is focused on performing well rather than solely on the outcome. She has also previously discussed the mental toll of intense competition and public scrutiny.

Conclusion and Implications

The 2026 Winter Olympics present Chloe Kim with a unique opportunity to etch her name further in snowboarding history. Her quest for a third consecutive gold medal, even with a recent injury, underscores her resilience and dedication. The event also marks the emergence of new talent and the continued presence of established athletes, contributing to the evolving narrative of winter sports. The success of athletes like Kim not only defines individual careers but also inspires a broader interest in their respective disciplines.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Chloe Kim win a third gold medal?
Yes, she is trying to win her third gold medal in a row in the women's halfpipe at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Q: Did Chloe Kim get hurt?
Yes, she hurt her shoulder in training but is still competing.
Q: When are the 2026 Winter Olympics?
The 2026 Winter Olympics are in Milan Cortina, Italy.
Q: How can I watch Chloe Kim?
You can watch her on NBC, USA Network, and Peacock.