Chloe Kim Aims for Olympic Three-Peat Amid Shoulder Injury
Chloe Kim is gearing up for the women’s halfpipe qualifiers at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, aiming to achieve a historic third consecutive gold medal. The 25-year-old snowboarder, known for her groundbreaking performances, faces the challenge of competing with a recent shoulder injury that has affected her training.
Why It Matters
Kim’s pursuit of a third Olympic gold is a monumental goal for any athlete, especially in the highly competitive sport of snowboarding. Her previous victories—first at the 2018 PyeongChang Games and again at the 2022 Beijing Olympics—have solidified her status as a pioneer in the sport. A third medal would not only enhance her legacy but also inspire a new generation of athletes.
Key Developments
- Chloe Kim, now 25, strives for a historic three-peat in the halfpipe competition.
- She is contending with a shoulder injury suffered during training in Switzerland.
- Despite the injury, Kim has resumed training and modified her technique using a shoulder brace.
- She believes muscle memory will help her perform well, even under pressure.
- Kim will compete against 24 other women for a shot at the Olympic medals, including American snowboarders Bea Kim, Maddie Mastro, and Maddy Schaffrick.
Full Report
Injury and Training Regimen
Kim’s recent training has been hampered by a torn labrum, which she sustained just weeks before the Olympic qualifiers. This injury forced her to miss significant training time, leading to increased anxiety. However, Kim reassures herself with the support of her family and her love for matcha tea. "I have so much anxiety, but thankfully I have matcha and there’s good vibes here," she shared before the qualifiers.
After about two weeks of training with a securely taped shoulder, Kim noted that her brace has inadvertently improved her ride by stabilizing her movements. "I think once we’re in there and focusing on what we want to accomplish, my mind goes completely blank," she explained, emphasizing her intent to concentrate solely on her performance.
Competitive Landscape
Kim’s history of resilience boosts her confidence as she prepares for her first competition of the season, which she qualified for a year earlier. In past events, like her struggle before the Beijing competition where she secured a gold medal despite a poor practice, Kim has demonstrated that she can overcome obstacles. "I just like to remind myself that every run is a new opportunity," she stated.
Although she remains a favorite for the gold medal, her main competition could come from 17-year-old Gaon Choi of South Korea, who idolizes Kim. The dynamics of this match-up poignantly highlight the generational shift occurring in snowboarding, where Kim sees a reflection of her own journey in Choi.
Context & Previous Events
Kim first garnered attention at 17 years old, winning gold at the 2018 PyeongChang Games and becoming the youngest woman to secure an Olympic medal in snowboarding. She later claimed her second gold in the 2022 Beijing Olympics, establishing her dominance in the sport. Since then, she has continued to excel, winning two more X Games gold medals and two World Cups, as well as clinching a third world championship in 2025.
