In a dramatic turn of events at the Livigno Snow Park in Italy, Chloe Kim's quest to make Olympic history was halted by a stunning performance from South Korea's Gaon Choi. The American snowboarder, aiming to become the first to win three consecutive gold medals in Olympic snowboarding, had to settle for silver after Choi's final run secured the top spot on the podium.
A Stunning Upset in the Italian Alps
On a snowy Thursday night, the women's halfpipe final unfolded with high stakes and intense competition. Gaon Choi, a 17-year-old first-time Olympian, delivered a near-perfect score of 90.25 on her last run, dethroning the two-time defending champion, Chloe Kim. This victory marks Choi as the first non-American woman to win gold in snowboarding's premier event since Australia's Torah Bright in 2010.
Choi's Remarkable Comeback
The path to gold was not without its challenges for Choi. During her first run, she took a hard tumble, slamming into the halfpipe's incline and sliding to the middle of the course, where she remained for several minutes. After receiving medical attention, she rode off unassisted, leaving spectators uncertain if she would return for her second attempt. However, Choi not only came back but also nailed her subsequent runs, culminating in a gold-winning performance that left the crowd in awe.
Chloe Kim had one final opportunity to reclaim the lead on her last run, but a wipeout dashed her hopes, securing her the silver medal. Japan's Mitsuki Ono rounded out the podium with bronze. Despite the disappointment, Kim showed sportsmanship by hugging Choi in a sweet moment of support after the competition.
Historical Context and Other Champions
Chloe Kim is not alone in missing out on a third consecutive gold at these Games. Other two-time defending champions, such as Czech Ester Ledecka in Alpine snowboarding's parallel giant slalom and Austria's Anna Gasser in big air, also fell short of achieving this milestone. In snowboarding history, American legend Shaun White won three gold medals in the halfpipe, but not consecutively—his victories came in 2006, 2010, and 2018, with a fourth-place finish in 2014.
Gaon Choi's rise to Olympic glory is notable; she became the youngest X Games winner in 2023 at age 14 and has now cemented her status as a rising star in the sport. Her win breaks a streak of American dominance in the event, with Kaitlyn Farrington winning in 2014 and Kim triumphing in Pyeongchang and Beijing.
Celebrity Support and Emotional Moments
The event drew notable figures, including Shaun White, who was seen in the crowd cringing after Kim's fall. Kim's boyfriend, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, and rapper Snoop Dogg were also among her cheering section, adding to the emotional atmosphere of the night.
This competition highlights the unpredictable nature of Olympic sports, where young talents like Gaon Choi can emerge to challenge established champions. As the Winter Olympics continue, fans are left to reflect on the thrilling moments and historic near-misses that define the games.
