2026 Milano Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics fashion photos of snowboarder Choi Gaon, who won Korea's first gold medal in snow events, have been released.
Elle magazine released the photo shoot with Choi Gaon on the 18th.
This photo shoot captured Choi Gaon's steely concentration as she carved her own Orbit across the snowfield, her natural, age-appropriate energy, and both the tension of an athlete and her everyday face.
An interview followed after the photo shoot. Regarding her condition immediately after the Olympics, Choi Gaon said, "I am recovering smoothly. I am wearing a hand brace, but I can do daily activities and light training."
On how her daily life changed after winning Korea's first gold medal in snow events, she said, "After returning home I went to a small cafe and the staff recognized me. I realized that many people know me." She added about how she spends ordinary time, "I tend to spend time with friends at cafes or karaoke."
Recalling the moment she first started snowboarding, she said, "When I first tried halfpipe, I felt more desire to keep riding than fear." Regarding why she returned to boarding even after injuries, she said, "What made me who I am now is, after all, this sport. It is where I spent the most time and grew the most."
On the presence of her family, she said, "My father always walked down with me, carried my board and pushed me from behind. Thinking of that dedication made me feel that finishing what I started is something I must do."
About the final run in the Olympic final that remains in many people's memories, she said, "My physical condition was not good, but I thought I would regret it for the rest of my life if I gave up. I didn't want to stop there." She added, "I'm glad I didn't give up."
Describing the sensations as she descended the snowfield, she said, "The light, the wind, the feeling of the air are still vivid. It is an experience I will never forget." Regarding maintaining her center, like her pure Korean name "gaon," she said, "Nothing has changed because I won a gold medal. I am just an athlete who must prepare for the next season." Finally, about what she would like to tell herself just before the Olympic final, she said, "Don't give up. I would tell myself it's okay to push through. Once you set foot on the snowfield, the next scene will surely follow."
[Photo] Provided by Elle Korea.
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