Sports
The Winter Olympics 2026 in Italy delivered one of the most compelling storylines in women's snowboarding as the halfpipe final produced a dramatic shift at the top of the sport. In a competition defined by resilience, risk, and technical mastery, South Korea's rising star Choi Gaon captured the gold medal, interrupting the reign of the two-time Olympic champion Chloe Kim and reshaping the future of the winter Olympics halfpipe landscape.
🥇 The YOUNGEST Olympic medallist at #MilanoCortina2026!
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) February 12, 2026
At just 17-years-old CHOI Gaon [KOR] wins the Republic of Korea’s first #Gold medal at Milano Cortina in the women's snowboard halfpipe! 🤩@fissnowboard | #Samsung | #OpenAlwaysWins | #MedalAlert pic.twitter.com/SXUe0iFeVH
A New Era in Women's Snowboarding
The women's snowboard halfpipe event at the 2026 Olympics was widely anticipated as a showdown between experience and youth. Representing Korea, 17-year-old Choi Gaon entered the final as one of the youngest contenders in the field. Meanwhile, American icon Chloe Kim aimed to extend her dominance in the Olympic competition.
From the opening runs, the halfpipe in Italy proved unforgiving. The icy walls and steep transitions tested both amplitude and execution, making clean landings crucial in the judges' scoring. Early pressure mounted when Choi suffered a heavy fall in her first run, momentarily putting her medal hopes in doubt.
The Comeback Run That Secured Gold
Rather than retreat under pressure, Choi responded with composure beyond her years. On her decisive third run, she delivered a technically sharp and confidently executed sequence that earned a winning score of 90.25. The performance combined height, fluid transitions, and consistent landings.
Her score pushed Chloe Kim into silver medal position with 88.00, marking a rare Olympic defeat for the American champion. Japan's Ono Mitsuki secured the bronze medal with 85.00, reinforcing Japan's growing strength in winter sport disciplines.
With this victory, Choi not only claimed Korea's first Olympic women's halfpipe medal but also became the youngest medalist at these Games, a landmark moment for Korean snowboarding.
Chloe Kim's Silver & the Evolution of the Sport
For Chloe Kim, the silver medal at the Winter Olympics 2026 reflects the increasing competitiveness of women's snowboarding. Once considered untouchable in the half pipe, Kim faced a new generation unafraid to challenge established champions.
The final standings -gold for Choi Gaon, silver for Chloe Kim, bronze for Ono Mitsuki- signal a shift in global power dynamics within the sport. Nations like Korea and Japan are now firmly positioned alongside traditional snowboarding strongholds.
Italy Sets the Stage for a Memorable Winter Olympics
Hosting the Olympics 2026, Italy provided a dramatic alpine backdrop that elevated the spectacle of women's snowboarding. The halfpipe venue drew global attention, underscoring how the winter Olympics continue to expand the visibility of action sports.
As snowboarding evolves, technical progression, younger athletes, and international diversity are shaping a new chapter. The women's halfpipe event in Italy will be remembered not just for the medals but for the symbolic passing of the torch.
With Choi Gaon's breakthrough victory over Chloe Kim, the Olympics 2026 women's halfpipe final stands as one of the defining moments of modern winter sport.
Members Discussion