Kim Sang-gyeom, a 37-year-old snowboarder, won a silver medal in the men's parallel giant slalom event, marking South Korea's 400th Olympic medal and the first medal for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Overwhelmed with emotion, Kim credited his wife for her steadfast support throughout his career, particularly during challenging times. He articulated that his wife deserves respect for her commitment and the dedication she has shown while he has been traveling for competitions.

Reflecting on his Olympic experience, Kim noted that this was his fourth attempt at the Games, and achieving a silver medal was a significant milestone after previous finishes of 17th, 15th, and 24th in his prior Olympic participations. He was only 0.19 seconds behind Austria’s Benjamin Karl in the final, which underscored the competitive nature of the event. Kim initially aimed for gold but recognized the challenges posed by the high-caliber competition; however, after inspecting the course, he felt confident in his abilities and executed his techniques effectively.

Despite pressure leading up to the Games, Kim remained focused and strategic, particularly in facing competitors like Roland Fischnaller of Italy in the quarterfinals. His performance reflects not only personal achievement but also brings pride to South Korea as they celebrate their 400th Olympic medal. His heartfelt acknowledgment of his wife underlines the significant personal sacrifices that athletes often make and emphasizes the importance of support systems in achieving success.