Chloe Kim Advances to Halfpipe Finals at Milan Cortina Winter Games

LIVIGNO, Italy — In a remarkable display of skill and resilience, American snowboarder Chloe Kim secured her place in the halfpipe finals at the Milan Cortina Winter Games on Wednesday. Known for her breathtaking abilities on the snow, Kim showcased a series of high-altitude tricks, comfortably leading the group and edging closer to a possible third consecutive gold medal.

When Kim completed her impressive initial run under the warm Alpine sun in Livigno, her wide smile was a testament to her dominance in the sport. At 25, she displayed no lingering effects from a shoulder injury sustained a month prior, outperforming her rivals with an excellent score of 90.25. Her nearest competitor, Japan’s Sara Shimizu, scored 87.50.

Despite some unsteady landings during her second attempt, Kim’s lead from her first run ensured her top position, as only the highest score from the two runs was considered for advancement. In the event, snowboarders maneuver along a 22-foot-tall, U-shaped ramp, executing aerial acrobatics. Kim’s track record includes winning the halfpipe gold medals at both the PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022 Olympics. Achieving a third consecutive Olympic gold in this event would be unprecedented, a feat even snowboarder Shaun White has not accomplished.

Kim was anticipated to dominate the halfpipe, even though a training setback in Switzerland required her to refrain from riding for two weeks leading up to the Games. On Monday, she assured that her shoulder was in good condition and confirmed she would compete with a supportive brace.

Among others advancing to the finals are Spain’s Queralt Castellet Ibanez, the 2022 silver medallist, and Japan’s Sena Tomita, the reigning bronze medallist. Unfortunately, during her second run, China’s Liu Jiayu, a 2018 silver medallist and a competitor in her fifth Olympics, suffered a fall and was removed from the course on a stretcher by medical personnel.

American snowboarders Bea Kim and Maddie Mastro also succeeded in progressing to the final round.