US snowboarder Chloe Kim stunned by South Korea's Gaon Choi, settles for silver in women's halfpipe
Chloe Kim secured a silver medal in the women's halfpipe at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games after being surpassed by South Korea's Gaon Choi for gold.
At the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, American snowboarder Chloe Kim performed well but ultimately settled for a silver medal in the women's halfpipe event. Despite leading the competition with an impressive score of 88.00 from her first run, Kim was unable to maintain her position after a fall on her final run. She had won gold in this event at the previous two Olympics, making her second-place finish a notable change in her Olympic journey.
South Korea’s Gaon Choi took the gold medal with an extraordinary performance that culminated in a score of 90.25, significantly improving her position after struggling on her initial runs. Choi's clean final run allowed her to secure the top spot, showcasing her resilience and determination despite earlier setbacks. The moment was emotional for Choi as she celebrated her victory while Kim, despite her disappointment, graciously commended her efforts and joined in the celebrations.
The outcome of this event signals a potential shift in the competition landscape for future snowboarding events, as Kim's dominance in the sport was challenged successfully by Choi. This victory not only marks a significant achievement for Choi but also highlights the growing competitiveness among female snowboarders on an international stage, setting the stage for more exciting competitions in the years to come.