Chloe Kim: Ga-on Choi’s Proud Embrace & Olympic Dignity

Chloe Kim of the United States, who won the silver medal in the women’s ski and snowboard halfpipe final at the 2026 Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics held at the Livigno Snow Park in Italy on the 12th (local time), is adjusting the clothes of Choi Ga-on, who won the gold medal. Livigno/Yonhap News

Livigno, Italy – The 2026 Winter Olympics witnessed a changing of the guard in women’s snowboarding halfpipe, but it was the grace of silver medalist Chloe Kim that truly captivated observers. Kim, 25, demonstrated remarkable sportsmanship after 18-year-old Choi Ga-on of South Korea claimed the gold medal, a moment that signaled the arrival of a new star in the sport.

A New Champion Emerges in Italy

What happened at the 2026 Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics in the women’s snowboarding halfpipe final? Choi Ga-on secured the gold medal with a score of 90.25, while Chloe Kim took silver with 88.00 points at the Livigno Snow Park on February 13th (Korean time). Kim’s bid for an unprecedented third consecutive Olympic gold medal fell just short, but her reaction to the outcome spoke volumes.

Choi Ga-on, who won the gold medal in the snowboarding women’s halfpipe final at the 2026 Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics held at the Livigno Snow Park in Italy on the 12th (local time), is delighted as she stands on the podium. On the left is American Chloe Kim, who won the silver medal. Livigno/Yonhap News

A Passing of the Torch

The Associated Press reported that Kim “handed over the Olympic title to a teenage girl who had inspired her.” Kim herself echoed this sentiment in a post-competition press conference, stating, “I am very proud of Choi Ga-on and look forward to her future performances.” This display of camaraderie resonated deeply with fans and observers alike.

Chloe Kim (left) is happy with Choi Ga-on on the podium in the women’s snowboarding halfpipe at the Winter Olympics held on the 13th (Korean time). Livigno/EPA Yonhap News

Mutual Respect and Admiration

Choi Ga-on, in an interview with Korean reporters, expressed her deep respect for Kim, calling her “my role model and idol.” She recounted a touching moment where Kim comforted her after a fall during her first attempt, even bringing her to tears. “I felt so warm and happy when Chloe Kim hugged me,” Choi Ga-on shared. Kim has previously described Choi Ga-on as “cute” and “like a younger brother,” acknowledging the young rider’s rapid progress.

Despite falling on her second and third runs, preventing a score in the 90s, Kim showcased her skill by successfully landing a difficult double cork 1080 in her first run. Her unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of the sport was evident throughout the competition.

Chloe Kim and her lover, American professional football star Myles Garrett, are hugging each other affectionately. Milan/AP Yonhap News

Adding another layer of interest to Kim’s Olympic journey was the presence of her partner, Myles Garrett, the North American Professional Football (NFL) star for the Cleveland Browns. Garrett, the unanimous 2025 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, closely followed Kim throughout the tournament, even serving as her personal photographer, capturing moments on camera. Garrett earns an average annual salary of $40 million (57.7 billion won).