In A First For Olympic History, The Women’s Halfpipe Snowboarding Podium Was All Asian Women
The sweep comprised of gold medalist Choi Gaon of South Korea, Korean American silver medalist Chloe Kim competing for the US and bronze medalist Mitsuki Ono of Japan.
Olympic history was made with the first all-Asian women podium in the women’s snowboard half pipe event at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
The sweep comprised of gold medalist Choi Gaon of South Korea, Korean American silver medalist Chloe Kim competing for the US and bronze medalist Mitsuki Ono of Japan.
In a dramatic turn of events, 17-year-old Choi scored a 90.25 in her third and final run after suffering a terrifying crash in her first run that required a concussion check, as well as a fall on her second run.
Kim, who was previously leading after a strong first showing with a score of 88, was unable to challenge Choi’s score after falling herself in her final run.
Japanese snowboarder Ono secured third place with a score of 85.
“After the first run, I actually cried really hard, thinking maybe I should just quit the Olympics here… But the thought kept coming back to me: ‘You can do this. You have to go on’. That’s what pushed me forward.” Choi said after her win. “It’s the kind of story you only see in dreams, so I’m incredibly happy.”
Kim, the previous reigning Olympic champion, had nothing but good things to say about Choi’s gold medal run.
“She took a heavy slam, got back up and won the damn thing,” Kim said. “That’s badass.”
Kim herself has been battling through injury after dislocating her shoulder twice in two months in the lead up to the Olympics.
The two-time US Olympic gold medalist also said watching Choi win was a full circle moment for her.
"I've known [Choi] since she was little and I'm so proud of her” Kim said. “It’s all part of the sport. It’s all about inspiring the next generation. It’s all about passing the torch.”
Kim first met Choi at a 2017 Olympic test event ahead of the PyeongChang Olympics.
Thier chance connection enabled Kim and her father to help bring Choi to the US to train.
“We’re seeing a big shift to Asians being dominant in snow sports. I’ve had aunts telling me that I shouldn’t snowboard, get a real career, focus on school. It’s cool to see that shift happening.” Kim said.
Choi also made history by becoming the youngest gold medalist in a Winter Olympics at 17 years and 101 days and as South Korea’s first ever woman to win an Olympic snowboarding medal.
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