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Chloe Kim's Emotional Reaction to Silver Medal Win at Winter Olympics

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rolly Gacelo | Last updated Feb 12, 2026 9:19 PM ET

Chloe Kim failed in her bid to secure the first-ever three-peat in the Winter Olympics' snowboarding halfpipe event, but she still feels thankful for her silver medal finish. The American star broke down in tears while reflecting on the tough journey she went through to be able to compete in Milan Cortina 2026.

Kim appeared to be on her way to another gold medal after winning the event in the 2018 and 2022 editions. However, South Korea's 17-year-old star Choi Gaon had other plans, as she delivered a strong third run and scored 90.25 to beat Kim's 88.00. Japan's Ono Mitsuki won the bronze medal with a score of 85.00.

The American star is not disappointed despite missing out on the top prize.

"A month ago, I wasn't even sure I would be here," Kim said at the press conference (via Team USA Instagram).

"I could get emotional thinking about it, but I really worked so hard to get here and so this medal means so much to me."

Chloe Kim takes a pic with half-pipe gold medal winner Gaon Choi and third-placer Mitsuki OnoNathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The American star raced against time to be ready and healthy for the 2026 Winter Olympics. She recovered only last month from a shoulder injury she suffered during training in Switzerland. The rehab forced her to miss the 2026 FIS Snowboard World Cup.

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Kim was the youngest athlete to win an Olympic snowboarding gold medal in 2018. Her South Korean opponent just took this distinction. Kim is happy for what Choi accomplished.

“I love Gaon so much. I’ve known her since she was a very small child,” Kim said.

“Seeing her at this big stage is such a full-circle moment. I definitely feel old, but it’s really cool to see how much she’s progressed. I met her when she literally started halfpipe snowboarding. Sometimes it feels like I’m seeing a mirror reflection of myself and my family.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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