Choi Ga-on, an 18-year-old snowboarder from Korea, made history by winning the first-ever gold medal for South Korea in snow sports at the 2026 Winter Olympics held in Italy. In a post-match interview, Choi shared her inspiring journey, emphasizing that despite falling during her first run, she was determined not to give up. She recalled a direct moment of fear when she thought she might have broken something, saying she would have quit in a World Cup event, but not in the Olympics where she had envisioned herself competing since childhood. Her resilience led her to secure a score of 90.25 in her third attempt, earning her a top spot on the podium.

Choi reflected on the emotional weight of her victory, stating that despite her usual stoic demeanor, she was overwhelmed with emotion at the medal ceremony. Her victory was not just a personal triumph but also a culmination of years of hard work, family support, and coaching. She noted that at that moment, all the memories of shared struggles with her father and coach came flooding back, reminding her of the times she felt like giving up but chose persistence instead. This victory has been a life-long dream finally realized.

Even as she basked in the joy of her gold medal, Choi modestly attributed her success to "heaven’s blessings," choosing to remain humble about her significant achievement. She expressed a sense of disbelief, indicating that it still felt like a dream come true. Choi's victory marks a groundbreaking moment for South Korean representation in winter sports, inspiring future athletes in the nation to pursue their dreams vigorously despite challenges they may face in their careers.