What's happened
Chloe Kim, a two-time Olympic snowboarding champion, failed to secure her third consecutive gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics after falling on her final runs. She was overtaken by 17-year-old Choi Ga-on of South Korea, who scored 90.25 on her last attempt. Kim, 25, had led after her first run but fell twice in her final attempts, ending with silver. The event was marked by controversy over scoring and the emergence of a young rival. Kim had previously won gold in 2018 and 2022, but her bid for a historic third was thwarted despite landing the sport's most difficult trick, a double-cork 1080. Her injury earlier this season and the intense competition highlight the unpredictability of Olympic snowboarding. The result signals a shift in the sport's landscape, with new talent challenging established champions.
What's behind the headline?
The outcome of Kim's event underscores a broader trend in Olympic sports: the rise of younger athletes who challenge established legends. Kim's injury and fall reveal the high risks and physical toll of snowboarding at the elite level. The scoring controversy, with some commentators questioning whether judges underestimated Kim's difficulty, highlights ongoing debates about subjectivity in judged sports. Choi Ga-on's victory signals a new era, where youth and resilience can outshine experience, foreshadowing a more competitive future. Kim's near-miss will likely motivate her to adapt and improve, but it also marks the end of her Olympic dominance. The event's unpredictability will influence future training and judging standards, emphasizing consistency and technical difficulty over style alone.
What the papers say
The New York Times provided detailed context on Kim's injury and the scoring controversy, emphasizing the unpredictability of her final performance. The NY Post highlighted Garrett's support and Kim's emotional journey, framing her as a resilient athlete despite the loss. The Independent focused on Choi Ga-on's remarkable comeback and historic win, marking a generational shift in the sport. These contrasting perspectives illustrate the tension between established excellence and emerging talent, with some emphasizing the controversy and others celebrating new champions.
How we got here
Kim, a Californian, became a global star after winning gold in 2018 and 2022. She faced injury setbacks earlier this season but still qualified strongly. The 2026 event saw her competing despite a shoulder injury, aiming for a third straight gold, a feat never achieved in women's snowboarding. Her rivalry with Choi Ga-on, a 17-year-old South Korean, has been a focal point, with Choi's recent victories and remarkable comeback from a fall emphasizing the sport's new generational shift.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Did Chloe Kim Fall Short of Her Third Olympic Gold?
Chloe Kim, a favorite to win her third consecutive Olympic gold in women's halfpipe, faced disappointment after falling in her final run. This unexpected outcome has left fans and analysts wondering what happened and what it means for her future. Below, we explore the key moments from the event, Kim's challenges, and what this means for her career moving forward.
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What happened to Chloe Kim at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Chloe Kim, a two-time Olympic snowboarding champion, was a favorite to win her third consecutive gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. However, her journey was cut short after a series of falls during her final runs, allowing a young competitor to take the top spot. Many fans and analysts are wondering what exactly happened to Kim and what this means for her career and the sport. Below, we explore the details of her performance, the emerging talent, and the future of Olympic snowboarding.
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Who Are the Rising Stars and Controversies at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Livigno have already delivered unforgettable moments, from emerging young talent to heated debates over scoring and competition. Fans and viewers are eager to know who’s making waves, what controversies are shaping the event, and what to watch for in upcoming competitions. Dive into the key stories that are defining these Games and discover the athletes and issues capturing global attention.
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Chloe Kim is an American professional snowboarder and two-time Olympic gold medalist. At the 2018 Winter Olympics, she became the youngest woman to win an Olympic snowboarding gold medal when she won gold in the women's snowboard halfpipe at 17 years old.
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