Milano-Cortina d’Ampezzo – South Korean snowboarder Choi Gaon, just 17 years old, achieved a stunning victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics, winning gold in the women’s halfpipe event. The triumph came despite a pre-existing injury – fractures to three bones in her hand – revealed by the athlete herself on social media following the competition. The remarkable story of resilience and determination has captivated fans worldwide.
Choi Gaon’s gold medal is a historic first for South Korea in snow sports at the Winter Olympics. She scored 90.25 points in the final round, surpassing American Chloe Kim, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, who finished with 88.00 points, according to reports from JoongAng Ilbo. The victory not only secured the first gold medal for the South Korean team at these Games but also set a new record as the youngest Olympic gold medalist in the event, at 17 years and 3 months old, surpassing Kim’s previous record of 17 years and 10 months set in 2018.
The young athlete disclosed the extent of her injury on her social media account on February 19th, posting an image of her hospital X-ray with the caption “3 fractures.” Her management agency, All That Sports, confirmed the diagnosis via MRI, stating the fractures occurred during training in January. Initially, an X-ray hadn’t revealed the full extent of the damage, and Choi Gaon competed through the pain, ultimately achieving Olympic glory. According to All That Sports, the fractures are stable and do not require surgery; Choi Gaon will undergo four weeks of treatment with a cast.
Dramatic Final Run Secures Gold
Choi Gaon’s path to gold wasn’t without its challenges. During the Olympic final held on February 13th at the Livigno Snowpark in Italy, she fell on her first two runs. The first fall, during her second jump attempt, was particularly concerning, as she landed headfirst and was visibly shaken. Reports indicate she was momentarily unable to get up and was seen in tears, struggling to walk due to knee pain, as detailed by Chosun Ilbo. Despite the pain and setbacks, she persevered, delivering a spectacular final run that earned her the winning score of 90.25.
Upon her return to South Korea on February 16th, Choi Gaon stated her knee felt “much better” and she planned to undergo further examination, according to SBS News. While initial reports focused on her knee, the subsequent MRI revealed the extent of the hand injuries sustained prior to the Games.
A Testament to Determination
Choi Gaon’s victory is a testament to her unwavering determination and resilience. She has quickly risen through the ranks of the snowboarding world, establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her win over Chloe Kim, a dominant figure in the sport, marks a significant moment in her career and for South Korean snowboarding. As reported by The Korea Times, Choi Gaon expressed her happiness and disbelief, stating, “It’s incredibly happy to win a gold medal at my first Olympics. I can’t believe it.”
The athlete’s performance has resonated deeply with fans, who have praised her courage and sportsmanship. Her ability to overcome adversity and achieve her goals serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a source of national pride for South Korea.
Choi Gaon is expected to begin rehabilitation for her hand injuries immediately, with a projected recovery period of four weeks. Her next competitive appearance remains uncertain, but all eyes will be on her return as she continues to build her legacy in the world of snowboarding. The focus now shifts to her recovery and preparation for future competitions, as she aims to continue her remarkable journey.
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