Chloe Kim aims for record 3rd Olympic halfpipe gold

Kim, 25, leads qualifying as she returns from injury to chase history in Milano Cortina

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Chloe Kim, the 25-year-old snowboarding superstar, posted the top qualifying score in the Milano Cortina Olympic Games halfpipe despite recovering from a torn labrum in her left shoulder. Kim is seeking to become the first person to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the halfpipe or any other snowboard event. She will be joined in the final by U.S. teammates Maddie Mastro and Bea Kim, the latter of whom was inspired to take up the sport after watching the 2018 Olympics where Chloe Kim won her first gold medal.

Why it matters

Kim's pursuit of a historic third straight Olympic gold medal in the halfpipe highlights her dominance of the sport and the global appeal she has built since bursting onto the scene as a 17-year-old champion in 2018. Her journey, along with that of her U.S. teammate Bea Kim, also represents the stories of immigrant families finding success through the Olympic dream.

The details

Despite tearing the labrum in her left shoulder less than two months ago, Chloe Kim posted a qualifying-leading score of 90.25 on her first run, proving she remains the world's best snowboarder even while injured. Bea Kim, who met Chloe and was inspired by her success at the 2018 Olympics, qualified 10th and will join her teammate in the final, where Chloe hinted she has more tricks up her sleeve to try to make history.

  • Chloe Kim tore the labrum in her left shoulder in January 2026.
  • Chloe Kim returned to snowboarding on January 29, 2026.
  • The Olympic halfpipe final will take place on Thursday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Chloe Kim

A 25-year-old American snowboarder seeking to become the first person to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the halfpipe or any other snowboard event.

Bea Kim

A 19-year-old American snowboarder who was inspired to take up the sport after watching Chloe Kim win gold at the 2018 Olympics, and is now Chloe's U.S. teammate competing in the Milano Cortina Games.

Maddie Mastro

An American snowboarder and Chloe Kim's U.S. teammate who also qualified for the Olympic halfpipe final.

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What they’re saying

“I'm really happy with who I've become. Going into these Games, I felt really at ease and calm. I know what I'm here to do.”

— Chloe Kim (pressenterprise.com)

“Going to the games in 2018 was a pretty pivotal moment. They were always both very kind to me and inspired me to get into this sport. So now, to be able to sit between them and be on the same team and call them my friends, it just means the world.”

— Bea Kim (pressenterprise.com)

“I'll go after it, guys, let me go. Well there. I think there are a lot of different opinions in the U.S. right now. Obviously, we're very divided. I personally am very proud to represent the United States. That being said, I think diversity is what makes us a very strong country and what makes us so special.”

— Bea Kim (pressenterprise.com)

“I'm proud to represent Team USA. I'm also saddened with what's happening at home. It's really tough, and I feel like we can't turn a blind eye to that, but at the same time, I represent a country that has the same values as mine, of kindness and compassion, and we come together in times of injustice.”

— Chloe Kim (pressenterprise.com)

What’s next

The Olympic halfpipe final will take place on Thursday, February 13, 2026, where Chloe Kim will attempt to make history by winning her third consecutive gold medal.

The takeaway

Chloe Kim's pursuit of a historic third straight Olympic gold medal in the halfpipe showcases her dominance of the sport and the inspiring immigrant stories behind the success of both her and her U.S. teammate Bea Kim, who were both motivated by the 2018 Olympics to chase their Olympic dreams.