Chloe Kim to Compete in Olympics with Shoulder Brace

Snowboarder says she has "so much anxiety" but is confident in her abilities despite recent injury

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Chloe Kim, the two-time defending Olympic gold medalist in snowboard halfpipe, will compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy while wearing a shoulder brace after injuring her shoulder in training last month. Despite the injury and anxiety, Kim says she feels confident in her abilities and is planning to attempt a new, more difficult run that she has never done before.

Why it matters

Kim is one of the biggest stars in snowboarding and a favorite to win her third straight Olympic gold medal. Her injury and ability to overcome it will be closely watched as the Olympics approach, as her performance could have a major impact on the outcome of the event.

The details

Kim injured her shoulder during a training run in Switzerland in mid-January, just about a month before the Olympics. She returned to the halfpipe about two weeks ago and has been wearing a brace on her left shoulder, which she says has "in a funny way... made my riding better." Her coach says the riding is at the point where Kim can still compete for the gold medal, despite the injury not being "an ideal situation." Kim says she is planning to attempt a new, more difficult run that she has never done before at the Olympics.

  • Kim injured her shoulder during a training run in Switzerland in mid-January 2026.
  • Kim returned to the halfpipe about two weeks before the 2026 Winter Olympics.
  • The 2026 Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy will begin on February 12, 2026.

The players

Chloe Kim

A 25-year-old American snowboarder and two-time defending Olympic gold medalist in the halfpipe event.

Rick Bower

Chloe Kim's coach.

Gaon Choi

A 17-year-old South Korean snowboarder who has been ramping up the difficulty and could pose a threat to Kim's three-peat.

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What they’re saying

“I have so much anxiety. But thankfully I have matcha (tea), and there's good vibes here, and my family's here, so we'll be good.”

— Chloe Kim (kcra.com)

“Clearly, it's not an ideal situation, but all things considered, the work she's put in over the last 15 years, she's in a place where she can deal with it. Though it's not what we'd like, the riding is at the point to where she can still compete for gold.”

— Rick Bower, Chloe Kim's coach (kcra.com)

“I feel confident. I feel really good about how I'm feeling physically and mentally, and that's most important right now.”

— Chloe Kim (kcra.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.