At just 18 years old, Choi Ga-on made headlines by securing the first gold medal for South Korea's skiing and snowboarding team in Olympic history during the women’s halfpipe event at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Her victory not only marked a significant achievement for her, but it also symbolized a generational shift in the sport, as she ended the Olympic winning streak of legendary snowboarder Chloe Kim from the United States. Despite a fall during the first run of the competition, Choi persevered and delivered an impressive performance in her final run, showcasing her determination and skill.

Upon returning to South Korea, Choi was greeted by numerous supporters at the airport, expressing both surprise and gratitude for the warm welcome. She shared her desire to indulge in beloved home-cooked meals, particularly longing for her grandmother's beef pancakes, and talked about celebrating with family and friends through various festivities. Throughout her interview, she emphasized the importance of her health, mentioning that her knee is recovering well but will require a checkup at the hospital.

Choi also reflected on her time in the Olympic Village, where she had the opportunity to meet with fellow athlete Choi Min-jung, a short track speed skater, reinforcing the bond between athletes. Celebrating her accomplishments, she remains focused on continual improvement, expressing the ambition to introduce new skills in future competitions while maintaining a joyful attitude towards the sport of snowboarding. The historic gold medal is only the beginning of her journey as she aspires to achieve more in her career.