Even from her hospital bed recovering from a devastating leg fracture, U.S. skiing legend Lindsey Vonn took time to celebrate fellow Team USA star Chloe Kim’s remarkable achievement at the Winter Olympics.
Kim, the two-time defending gold medalist in women’s snowboard halfpipe, fell just short of an unprecedented three-peat on Thursday, February 12, settling for silver after a thrilling final at Livigno Snow Park. The 25-year-old American posted an impressive 88.00 on her opening run and held the lead heading into the third and final attempt, but a fall on her closing effort opened the door for 17-year-old South Korean sensation Choi Gaon.
Choi, who had crashed hard on her first run, bounced back dramatically with a stunning 90.25 on her decisive third run to claim gold—South Korea’s first of the Games—and deny Kim history as the first snowboarder (male or female) to win three consecutive Olympic halfpipe titles. Japan’s Mitsuki Ono rounded out the podium with bronze.
Despite the near-miss, Kim’s silver made her the first female athlete to medal in three straight Olympics in the halfpipe, capping an extraordinary run that began with gold in PyeongChang 2018 and continued in Beijing 2022. The result highlighted her resilience, especially after competing with a recent shoulder injury.
From her recovery in Italy following multiple surgeries on a complex tibia fracture sustained in her own terrifying downhill crash on February 8, Vonn shared her support via Instagram Stories. Reposting a photo of Kim beaming with her silver medal, Vonn wrote: “You’re such a boss @chloekim!!! ❤️💪🥈”
The heartfelt shoutout quickly resonated across social media, showcasing the camaraderie among America’s Winter Olympic icons. Vonn, a three-time Olympic medalist and record-holding skier whose own Games ended prematurely, has remained an active cheerleader for Team USA despite her setback.
Kim, gracious in defeat, was among the first to congratulate Choi at the finish area, embracing the young star she has mentored and idolized in recent years. “This medal means so much to me,” Kim said post-race, reflecting on the pride of representing her country and fighting through challenges.
With both athletes now finished at Milano Cortina—Vonn sidelined by injury and Kim completing her final event—the moment underscores the unbreakable spirit of U.S. winter sports stars supporting one another through triumphs and trials alike.
