Snowboarding superstar Chloe Kim made a spectacular start at the Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy, shrugging off concerns about a shoulder injury to finish first in Wednesday's qualifying round. The 25-year-old American, aiming for a historic third consecutive gold medal, delivered a commanding performance that secured her spot in Thursday night's final with ease.
Overcoming Injury and Nerves
Competing with a shoulder brace after an awkward fall during training in Switzerland just four weeks ago, Kim admitted to feeling nerves but showed no signs of limitation. She returned to the halfpipe only two weeks prior, marking her first significant run since last March, yet her 22-year career and muscle memory proved decisive. "She's been very well behaved," Kim quipped, looking down at her left shoulder, adding, "Muscle memory is a thing" to explain her high-level execution despite limited recent practice.
Dominant Qualifying Performance
Kim's display included a massive big air leap, propelling her 13 feet above the halfpipe's edge with a showy board grab, and a flawless 1080-degree spin while riding backward. This immediately set her apart from the two dozen riders vying for a final spot. While American teammate Maddie Mastro showcased impressive double corks, Kim's performance underscored her decade-long dominance in the sport.
Plans for the Final and Support System
For the final, Kim plans to "go bigger," aiming to link frontside and backside 900s. She pulled up on her second qualifying run after a slight skid to conserve energy, later seen sharing hugs with her boyfriend, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, who was in attendance. "I've landed all the components of my finals run, I just haven't put them together," Kim stated. "So I'll get to do it on the big day."
Injury Alters Perspective on Historic Quest
The shoulder injury has shifted Kim's perspective on her quest for a third gold. "If you'd asked me before the shoulder injury, I'd maybe have a different answer for you," she admitted. "But just because I'm coming back from an injury, obviously I didn't get nearly the amount of reps I would normally get going into an Olympics, I'm just really proud of myself and proud that I've been able to push it as far as I have."
Key Challengers in the Final
Among her key challengers for a medal are Mastro, Japan's Sara Shimizu and Sena Tomita, Korea's Gaon Choi, and fellow US rider Bea Kim. Despite the competition, Kim's qualifying success positions her as a strong favorite, with her playful remark, "I might be better at snowboarding than I am at walking," highlighting her confidence and skill.
