Chloe Kim Loses Halfpipe Gold to S. Korean Admirer
By Goldsea Staff | 12 Feb, 2026

In another big upset of the Milano Cortina Winter Games, S. Korea's Choi Ga-on took the event with a sensational third run.

The women's snowboard halfpipe final delivered high drama and a stunning shift in the sport's hierarchy at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

American superstar Chloe Kim, the two-time defending Olympic champion, entered as the heavy favorite, chasing history as the first snowboarder to win three consecutive gold medals in the same event. Instead, the gold went to 17-year-old South Korean sensation Choi Ga-on (also spelled Gaon Choi), who produced a masterful final run to claim victory in her Olympic debut.

The competition unfolded at Livigno Snow Park on February 12, where athletes had three runs to post their best score. Kim, competing despite a recent labrum tear, had dominated qualifying and started strong in the finals. Her first run earned high marks, putting her in contention early, and she held the lead through the second round with clean, technical riding that showcased her trademark amplitude and style. Kim's experience—gold in PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022—made her seem unstoppable as she aimed to cement her legacy.

Choi Ga-on, however, had other plans. The young rider, who trains under Kim's influence and has been hailed as her protégé, faced early adversity. She crashed hard on her first run, taking a heavy hit that could have ended her day. Showing remarkable resilience, she recovered for a solid second run but still trailed. Then came the decisive third and final run. Choi unleashed a powerful, high-flying performance packed with massive airs, precise rotations, and flawless landings. Judges rewarded her boldness with a score of 90.25, vaulting her past Kim and into first place.

Kim's final attempt couldn't match the height or execution of Choi's standout run. She secured silver with a strong score, but it wasn't enough to deny the upset. The result marked South Korea's first gold medal of the 2026 Games and highlighted the rapid rise of the next generation in snowboarding.

This outcome was particularly poignant given the mentor-student dynamic. Kim has long been a role model for young riders worldwide, including Choi, who has spoken openly about admiring the American's technique and composure. Post-race, Kim expressed pride in her competitor's achievement, calling it a testament to the sport's growth and depth. "She's incredible," Kim reportedly said afterward. "Watching her come back like that and throw down was special. The future is bright."

For Kim, silver still adds to an illustrious career that includes multiple X Games titles and world championships. At 25, she remains a dominant force, but the loss prevents a historic three-peat and serves as a reminder that even legends face challenges. The halfpipe field has deepened, with athletes pushing boundaries in amplitude, difficulty, and consistency.

Choi's victory electrified the crowd and resonated across South Korea, where winter sports enthusiasm continues to surge. The teenager's composure under pressure—bouncing back from crashes to deliver when it mattered most—earned widespread praise. Her gold not only denied Kim the milestone but also signaled a changing of the guard in women's halfpipe.

As the Milan Winter Games progress, this result stands out as one of the defining moments. It showcased resilience, youth, and the unpredictable thrill of elite competition. Chloe Kim's silver is no small feat, but Choi Ga-on's golden breakthrough will be remembered as the day a phenom arrived on the world's biggest stage.