Seventeen-year-old Choi Gaon delivered a historic performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, clinching gold in the women’s snowboard halfpipe final and securing South Korea’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in any snow sport. Her remarkable victory over defending champion Chloe Kim of the United States marked a watershed moment for South Korean winter sports.

Competing with composure beyond her years, Choi overcame a dramatic fall during her opening run that left spectators gasping. Undeterred, she returned with a technically precise and confident performance that ultimately sealed her place atop the podium. Her resilience and fearless execution earned her widespread praise from commentators and fans alike.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung lauded her achievement, stating that her performance had “written a new chapter in the history of South Korean snowboarding.” He emphasized her determination, noting that her ability to rebound after the fall inspired not only the nation but audiences worldwide.

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Choi’s victory has sparked celebrations across South Korea, with media outlets dubbing her the “Golden Teen” and “Miracle Girl.” A resurfaced childhood video showing her snowboarding with her family has gone viral, highlighting her long-standing passion for the sport. A fan of K-pop star G-Dragon, Choi has become an overnight icon for young athletes.

Defending Olympic champion Chloe Kim, who enjoys immense popularity in South Korea due to her Korean heritage, graciously acknowledged the young star’s triumph. Calling Choi “my baby,” Kim praised her rival’s talent and composure, signaling the emergence of a new era in women’s snowboarding.

Choi Gaon’s breakthrough not only adds a gold medal to South Korea’s tally at the ongoing Games but also signals the country’s growing presence in winter sports traditionally dominated by Western nations. Her victory is expected to inspire a new generation of snowboarders and elevate South Korea’s standing on the global snow sports stage.

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