I missed the gold medal, but the silver medal is also precious. The bronze medal is the same. Chloe Kim of the United States, who did her best, sent congratulatory messages to the competitors she faced.
On the 14th (Korea time), Chloe Kim wrote on her social media, "A month ago I wasn't even sure I could compete. I was going through the darkest time mentally, and I was really afraid of coming back. Completing my performance successfully on the first final stage of this season was one of the most rewarding and validating moments of my life," she said.
She won the silver medal with a score of 88.00 in the women's snowboard halfpipe final at the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics, held on the 13th in Livigno Snowpark, Italy.
She was first through the first and second runs. But in the third run, Korea's "prodigy girl" Choi Gaon scored 90.25 after two failed attempts and took the gold medal. Choi Gaon fell in the first run and was even injured. She seemed to be withdrawing before the second run, but she did not give up.
The person she regarded as an "idol" was Chloe Kim. Choi Gaon, who created a dramatic comeback and won the gold medal, moved many fans who watched the competition to tears. Choi Gaon also shed tears, and Chloe Kim approached her to offer congratulations.
Chloe Kim fell in the third run and ended up with the silver medal. Chloe Kim sent congratulations via social media to Choi Gaon and bronze medalist Ono Mitsuki.
Chloe Kim said to Ono Mitsuki, "Congratulations. I really admired your style. I have respected you since preparing for the Beijing Olympics."
She then said to Choi Gaon, "Sincere congratulations. Your toughness and mental strength are truly inspiring. I look forward to continuing to watch you shine. I always believed in you."
Choi Gaon won the gold medal, Chloe Kim the silver, and Ono Mitsuki (Japan) the bronze.
Chloe Kim left a message of thanks, "This medal is really meaningful to me. And according to color analysis, the silver medal makes me shine the most. Thank you so much for always supporting me unchanged. It was a really enjoyable journey."
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