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American snowboarder Chloe Kim failed to claim three consecutive gold medals in the women’s halfpipe event on Thursday, falling on her final run to hand gold to South Korea’s Gaon Choi at the 2026 Cortina Games in Milan.
Kim still won silver after her 88.00 finish in her first run, which she held in first place throughout the halfpipe final until Choi, who had two scary falls in her first two runs, was thrilled after a clean run to a huge score of 90.25 to overtake first place.
Kim, who fell in her second race, still had a chance to regain her high score. But he fell halfway and the South Korean team jumped for joy knowing that the gold was assured.
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Chloe Kim of the United States falls during the women’s snowboard halfpipe final at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Kim, who won gold at the previous two Olympic Games, may have seen his reign end at the event. But she was all smiles and headed straight towards Choi to celebrate with her.
Joined by Choi and bronze medal winner Mitsuki Ono of Japan, Kim continued to point out the South Korean victor as the camera captured them together at the bottom of the hill.
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Choi is only 17 years old and was considered the biggest threat to Kim entering the event. He had won the X Games when he was only 14 years old and it was time to participate in his first Olympic Games in Milan. The two crashes didn’t look promising, but he made it worth it in the last race.
Kim, an eight-time X Games gold medalist and three-time world champion, was looking to make Olympic history at this year’s tournament.
She would have become the first snowboarder, male or female, to win three consecutive gold medals. American legend Shaun White won three Olympic golds, but never did it consecutively.
Chloe Kim of the United States falls during the women’s snowboard halfpipe final at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Kim said before the event that she would be happy with the results either way.
“I’m just going to do what I came here to do, and if they decide to give it to me, then great,” he said, according to NBC News. “But I’m really grateful to be in the position where I’ve won all these events multiple times. The fact that I can be here, ride and be confident is all I can ask for.”
Kim had a family contingent in Milan, which also included her boyfriend, Cleveland Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett, fresh off winning Defensive Player of the Year after breaking the single-season sack record.
Chloe Kim of the United States celebrates her run during the women’s snowboard halfpipe final at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Kim’s silver medal marked the 14th for the United States at the Milan Cortina Games.
