For Chloe Kim, the face of women’s Olympic snowboarding for nearly a decade, the journey to the Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026 games is one filled with renewal, reflection, and a touch of pop culture. After a self-imposed competitive break following her gold medal performance in the halfpipe at the 2022 Beijing Games, Kim is now back in training and ready to chase history at her third Olympics.
Secure your Olympic Snowboarding Tickets now at eticketing.co! Visit our website to grab your tickets at discounted rates and be part of the thrilling action in Milano Cortina 2026. Don’t miss the chance to cheer on your favorite athletes as they go for gold!
At just 24 years old, Kim is already a two-time Olympic gold medalist in women’s halfpipe Olympic snowboarding. Her dominance, style, and technical brilliance have not only redefined what’s possible in the sport but also made her one of the most recognizable names in winter sports worldwide. Now, as she prepares for another Olympic cycle, her focus is sharper than ever—but so is her personality, as she embraces her passions both on and off the snow, including her love for anime.
Winter Olympic Snowboarding: Kim’s Place in History
Chloe Kim burst onto the Olympic scene as a 17-year-old phenom at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games, where she became the youngest woman ever to win an Olympic snowboarding gold medal. With a near-perfect run that included back-to-back 1080s, she cemented her place as a revolutionary force in the sport. Four years later in Beijing, she defended her title with another commanding gold-medal performance, becoming the first woman to win back-to-back Olympic golds in halfpipe Olympic snowboarding.
With her sights now set on Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026, Kim has the rare opportunity to become the first snowboarder—male or female—to win three Olympic golds in the same event. Her path won’t be easy. The field has grown deeper and more competitive, with young riders like Mitsuki Ono of Japan and Cai Xuetong of China pushing the technical envelope. Yet Kim remains the rider to beat when she’s at full strength.
Her decision to return to competition in the 2024–25 season, after stepping away to prioritize mental health and finish her degree at Princeton, was met with excitement across the snowboarding community. I missed it. I missed the adrenaline, I missed the people, I missed flying, Kim told reporters in early 2025. But I also wanted to come back on my terms. Those terms include maintaining a healthier balance between sport and self-expression. Kim now travels with a smaller entourage, spends more time outdoors between competitions, and continues to advocate for mental health awareness in elite athletics
Training and Trials: The Road to Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026
As Olympic qualification ramps up, Kim is already back in competition shape. She began her 2024–25 season at the Copper Mountain Grand Prix with a signature win, landing a frontside 1080 and cab 900 in one of her cleanest runs since Beijing. With the U.S. Snowboard Team requiring multiple podiums across the World Cup circuit and national events to secure an Olympic berth, Kim’s early success puts her on a fast track to qualification.
Her longtime coach, Rick Bower, believes she’s better prepared than ever. Chloe is approaching this cycle with a new maturity, Bower said. She knows what her body needs, what her mind needs, and she’s tuned in to the bigger picture. That bigger picture” includes being a mentor to younger teammates. Riders like Maddie Mastro and Sonora Alba have spoken openly about how Kim’s return has brought an energy boost to the team. Chloe sets the bar, said Alba. Even just training with her, you feel inspired to push harder.
Still, Kim is taking nothing for granted. The physical demands of Winter Olympic snowboarding—especially on knees and ankles—are considerable. She has tailored her training regimen to include more core and mobility work, Pilates, and altitude training. Her sessions are intense but strategic, designed to reduce injury risk and maximize performance windows leading into the Olympic season. You Can Read Winter Olympic 2026: Ester Ledecká Seizes First Olympic Snowboarding World Title Since 2017 at 2025 Championships
Anime and Authenticity: Off the Slopes
Away from the slopes, Kim has leaned into one of her greatest passions: anime. A longtime fan of Japanese animation, she often credits anime with helping her decompress during travel and competition. When I’m stressed or homesick or just need to chill, anime is my go-to, she said during a recent podcast appearance. It’s not just entertainment—it’s a vibe, a culture, a philosophy. Her favorites? Attack on Titan is the GOAT, Kim declared. The storyline, the pacing, the characters—Eren Yeager’s arc is next level. But I also love ‘My Hero Academia’ because it’s so relatable. Everyone’s trying to be a hero in their own way.
Kim isn’t afraid to stir up debate with her takes, either. I think ‘Naruto’ is overrated. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a classic, but it drags in places, she said with a laugh. Give me ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ or ‘Chainsaw Man’ any day. Darker, tighter, cooler. Her anime fandom has endeared her to a younger generation of fans who see her as more than just an athlete. With cosplay-inspired snowboard gear, anime-themed playlist drops, and occasional TikTok lip-syncs of her favorite scenes, Kim has built a crossover identity that blurs the line between elite sports and pop culture. I used to feel like I had to be serious all the time because I was winning medals and representing my country, Kim explained. Now I just want to be real. And that means geeking out about anime, eating ramen at 2 a.m., and still crushing it in the halfpipe.
Winter Olympic 2026: Balancing Stardom and Sanity
As one of the most recognizable faces in Winter Olympic sports, Chloe Kim has often shouldered the burden of expectation. From magazine covers to marketing campaigns, she’s been hailed as a trailblazer, role model, and gold standard. But the pressure hasn’t always been easy to manage. After the 2022 Winter Olympic, Kim took a break from competition, citing burnout and a need to live life as a normal person. She traveled, studied, and spent time reconnecting with herself. I needed space, she said. I didn’t want to be defined only by my wins.
Olympic 2026 fans worldwide can book Winter Olympic Tickets from our online platforms eticketing.co Fans can book Olympic Tickets on our website at discounted prices. Experience the thrill of the Games in Milano Cortina and support your favorite athletes as they compete for glory.
Her openness about mental health has had a ripple effect across elite sports. She’s spoken at summits, collaborated with organizations like The Hidden Opponent, and even helped shape athlete mental wellness initiatives within U.S. Ski & Snowboard. What Chloe did—stepping away at her peak—took guts, said fellow Olympian and mental health advocate Mikaela Shiffrin. It showed the world that taking care of yourself is a strength, not a weakness.
Winter Olympic Greatness: Chloe Kim’s Next Chapter of Joy, Legacy, and Flight
As Chloe Kim ramps up for Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026, she’s not only chasing records but also reshaping what it means to be an Olympic athlete. She embodies the evolution of sport—where authenticity, passion, and personal voice matter as much as podium finishes.
Whether or not she secures a third Olympic gold, Kim’s legacy is already secure. She’s a pioneer who expanded the boundaries of women’s Winter Olympic snowboarding, empowered young athletes to prioritize their well-being, and proved that being yourself is a superpower. Still, don’t count her out when the lights are brightest. I’m here to compete, Kim said. But I’m also here to enjoy it. Because at the end of the day, it’s Winter Olympic snowboarding. It’s suppose to be fun.With her board tune, her anime playlist ready, and her eyes on the halfpipe in Milan-Cortina, Chloe Kim is ready to fly again—on her terms, and in her style.
Experience the magic and excitement as fans from around the world gather to celebrate the spirit of the Games. Secure your Olympic Opening Ceremony Tickets now and create memories that will last a lifetime at the unforgettable Winter Olympic 2026.
