Choi Ga-on, an 18-year-old snowboarder from South Korea, made history by winning the first Olympic gold medal for her country in ski and snowboard events. Despite the momentous occasion, she expressed her yearning to return home to Korea, where she misses the home-cooked meals prepared by her grandmother. In a press conference held at the Korean house in Milan, Choi shared her disbelief at winning the gold medal and the happiness it brings her, remarking that it still feels like a dream.

The journey to her gold medal was fraught with difficulties, as Choi encountered a hard fall during the first run of the final competition, leading many spectators to believe she would be unable to compete further due to a DNS (Did Not Start) designation. However, Choi's determination shone through as she contested her coach's advice to step down from the competition, ultimately recovering enough to retry in the subsequent runs. She recalled her struggle to stand after her fall, noting that despite the severe pain, she thought about the regret she would feel if she gave up, prompting her to push through the pain and continue.

In the following runs, Choi displayed remarkable tenacity, completing the competition despite her injuries. She expressed her pain but also highlighted the importance of perseverance and determination, stating that she wanted to leave the competition on her own terms. This inspiring story showcases the spirit of an athlete who not only achieved a personal milestone but also serves as an inspiration to others about the power of resilience against adversity.