In a breathtaking upset at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, 17-year-old Choi Ga-on of the Republic of Korea defied expectations to claim gold in women's snowboard halfpipe. The Livigno Snow Park witnessed historic drama on Thursday as heavy snowfall tested athletes' resilience in the final showdown.
Choi's victory came after two disastrous runs left her trailing with a meager 10-point score. The teenager rallied on her final attempt, executing a technically demanding routine that earned 90.25 points – the highest score of the night. Her emotional celebration contrasted with the disappointment of China's Cai Xuetong, who failed to medal despite strong preliminary performances.
American snowboarding icon Chloe Kim, seeking a record third consecutive Olympic title, settled for silver after being overtaken by Choi's last-minute heroics. The ROK's first Winter Games gold this year sparked celebrations across Asian sporting communities, particularly among younger athletes challenging established champions.
Medical staff confirmed Choi competed with minor injuries from earlier crashes, adding to the dramatic narrative of her victory. The result marks a significant shift in winter sports dynamics, with Asian nations increasingly dominating traditional Western strongholds.
