In an interview with Olympic.com, Choi Gaon expressed her determination to win South Korea's first gold medal in snowboarding during the upcoming events at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. Born in 2008, she is the youngest athlete on the South Korean team and is set to compete in the halfpipe qualifying rounds on the afternoon of January 11, with hopes for a medal in the finals on January 13. Choi has already completed a successful streak at international competitions, securing three consecutive gold medals in the FIS Snowboard Halfpipe World Cup, and is aiming to enhance her Olympic journey by overcoming technical challenges in her sport.

Choi's ambition is particularly notable as she will be competing against athletes like Chloe Kim, who is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and is attempting to achieve a historic three-peat. Although Kim is currently dealing with a shoulder injury, she remains a fierce competitor and has shared her admiration for Choi, recognizing the significance of another talented Korean athlete competing on the Olympic stage. Their mutual respect and shared cultural background highlight a special narrative within the competition, as both have idolized each other throughout their careers and are now poised for a memorable contest.

The South Korean delegation also includes naturalized athletes, one of whom, Ekaterina Ababakumova, is set to participate in the biathlon event. This reflects the diverse nature of the team, which combines local talent and international experiences, enhancing Korea's representation in the Winter Olympics. With Choi Gaon's aspirations and the presence of other notable athletes, the upcoming games could mark a transformative moment for South Korean snowboarding on the global stage.