Choi Ga-on, a 17-year-old snowboarder from Korea, made history by winning the first Olympic gold medal for Korea in snowboarding at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Overcoming significant setbacks early in the competition, including struggling in her first two runs and scoring only 10 points in her first attempt, Choi staged a remarkable comeback in her third run. She scored 90.25 points with a performance that showcased her resilience and skill, firmly establishing herself as a new star in the sport after defeating notable athletes like Chloe Kim and Mitsuki Ono.

During the final held at the Livigno Snow Park in Italy, Choi faced considerable challenges both physically and mentally. After landing awkwardly during her second jump in the first run, she briefly struggled to recover, raising concerns among her team and the audience. Nonetheless, with determination, she returned for the third run, choosing to execute less complex tricks while still maintaining impressive heights, ultimately earning her the gold medal with a standout score. Her triumph was even more significant as she broke a record previously set by Chloe Kim, who was regarded as a top contender, achieving her gold medal at a younger age than Kim did.

After securing her victory, an emotional Choi was seen wiping away tears of joy and embracing her coach, with moments of shared celebration following her impressive score. Chloe Kim, who had hoped for a third consecutive Olympic win, graciously extended her congratulations to Choi, and despite her injury, Choi's win was a triumphant moment for Korean snowboarding, setting a new standard for future athletes in the sport.