Chloe Kim Pursues Historic Third Olympic Snowboard Halfpipe Gold Despite Shoulder Injury
MILAN, Italy — American snowboarder Chloe Kim is closing in on Olympic history at the 2026 Winter Games, demonstrating remarkable resilience despite nursing a significant shoulder injury. Kim, a California native and two-time Olympic gold medalist, delivered a commanding performance in the women’s snowboard halfpipe qualifying rounds, finishing first with a score of 90.25 on her opening run. This strong showing places her firmly in contention to become the first female snowboarder to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the halfpipe event.
Competing with a shoulder brace, Kim has overcome the physical challenges that threatened to derail her preparations for the Games. The injury limited her ability to train fully in the lead-up to the competition, yet she remains undeterred. “I feel good. Happy to be here,” Kim told Olympics.com. “There is definitely a lot of pressure, but I do think that the Olympics are so special because we have so much support globally.”
Her American teammate Maddie Mastro also impressed by securing third place in qualifying with a score of 86.00, highlighting the strength of the U.S. women’s snowboard halfpipe team. The event, held in the picturesque alpine setting of Livigno, Italy, has drawn significant attention as Kim chases an unprecedented third gold medal.
Kim’s pursuit of a historic triple crown comes amid growing interest in winter sports and the Olympic movement, which is overseen by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Her performances not only inspire aspiring athletes but also spotlight the grit and determination required to compete at the highest level despite injury setbacks.
Snowboarding has been a staple of the Winter Olympics since 1998, with the halfpipe event debuting that year. Kim’s potential third consecutive gold would cement her legacy alongside the sport’s all-time greats. The USA Snowboard program continues to develop talent, and Kim’s success underscores the effectiveness of their training and athlete support systems.
As the competition progresses, all eyes remain on Kim, who is not only battling her rivals but also managing the physical demands of competing with a compromised shoulder. Her ability to perform at such a high level under these conditions speaks volumes about her skill and mental toughness.
The International Olympic Committee’s official website provides ongoing coverage of the Games, including detailed results and athlete profiles, offering fans worldwide a window into this historic pursuit. For those following the event, Kim’s journey is a testament to perseverance and excellence on the world’s biggest stage.
With the finals approaching, Chloe Kim stands on the cusp of making Olympic history, inspiring millions and representing the indomitable spirit of American athletes at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
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