In a stunning turn of events, Chloe Kim’s Olympic legacy was unexpectedly upstaged by the very protégé she helped nurture. Yet, in a display of grace and sportsmanship, Kim is celebrating the moment just as much as her own victories. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is it ever easy to cheer for someone who’s just dashed your historic dreams?
Chloe Kim (left), Gaon Choi (center), and Mitsuki Ono shared a triumphant moment on the podium after the women’s snowboard halfpipe event in Livigno, Italy, on Thursday. The image, captured by Cameron Spencer of Getty Images, speaks volumes about the emotional rollercoaster of the competition.
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MILAN — Chloe Kim, the celebrated U.S. snowboarder, was on the cusp of making history with a third consecutive Olympic halfpipe gold. However, her journey was unexpectedly halted by her 17-year-old mentee, Gaon Choi of South Korea, who overcame a dramatic crash to claim the top spot in the final run.
‘It’s the kind of story you only see in dreams, so I’m incredibly happy it happened today,’ Choi reflected afterward. At 25, Kim was poised to become the first halfpipe snowboarder to achieve three consecutive Olympic golds. Despite a last-minute shoulder injury, she breezed through Wednesday’s qualifiers—her first competition of the season—with ease.
Throughout much of Thursday’s final, held under a light snowfall in Livigno, Kim appeared unstoppable. The competition, decided by the best of three runs, saw Kim take an early lead with a strong first run scoring 88 points. She maintained this lead as many competitors, including her U.S. teammates Bea Kim and Maddy Mastro, struggled with falls.
Choi’s journey to victory was anything but smooth. A severe crash in her opening run required a concussion check, and she nearly missed her second turn, only to fall again. Yet, her third run was nothing short of spectacular, earning her 90.25 points and the gold medal.
‘It wasn’t about sheer determination,’ Choi explained. ‘I just focused on the technique I’ve been practicing.’
All eyes were on Kim for the final run, but a fall on her signature cab double cork 1080—a trick she had previously mastered—sealed her fate, leaving her with the silver medal. As Choi and her team erupted in tears of joy, Kim greeted her protégé with a warm hug at the finish line. Standing alongside bronze medalist Mitsuki Ono of Japan, Kim proudly pointed to Choi, her excitement palpable.
‘I’ve known Gaon since she was little, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to see that I’ve inspired the next generation,’ Kim shared. ‘They’re out here dominating, and it’s a full-circle moment.’
Choi is the same age Kim was in 2018 when she became the youngest woman to win an Olympic snowboard medal. Their bond spans nearly a decade, rooted in a friendship between their fathers. Choi’s father connected with Kim’s dad, a South Korean immigrant, in the lead-up to the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.
‘Chloe’s dad mentored my dad,’ Choi revealed after winning her first World Cup at 14. ‘I was too young to understand much, but his advice shaped me into who I am today.’
Kim and her father played a pivotal role in bringing Choi to the U.S. to train at California’s Mammoth Mountain, fostering a supportive relationship. Kim has often spoken highly of Choi, calling her a ‘mirror reflection of myself and my family.’
‘We’re witnessing a significant shift with Asians dominating snow sports,’ Kim noted. ‘I’ve had family members tell me to focus on academics instead of snowboarding. It’s inspiring to see this change.’
Choi’s victory marks a historic first for South Korea: she is the first female Korean athlete to win a medal in snow sports and has secured the country’s inaugural snowboard gold.
‘I want to showcase this sport to my country through my Olympic performance,’ Choi told Olympics.com before the Games. ‘Enjoying the experience is just as important as the results.’
And this is the part most people miss: As we celebrate Choi’s triumph, it raises questions about the dynamics of mentorship and competition. Can a protégé’s success ever truly overshadow the mentor’s legacy, or does it simply enrich it? What are your thoughts? Share your opinions in the comments below—let’s spark a conversation!
