Passing the Baton on Ice

At the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, history was made on the podium when a legacy was made from one generation to the next. South Korea’s rising star, Gaon Choi, soared through the women’s halfpipe, claiming gold at just 17 years old. Behind the victory was a deeper story, one rooted in mentorship and a powerful connection between a Korean American Icon and a young Korean athlete watching from afar. 

Gaon Choi was simply a young snowboarder watching Chloe Kim dominate global states. At 17 years old, Chloe Kim won gold at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, becoming the youngest woman to clean the Olympic snowboarding title, and she went on to claim many achievements. Kim became a symbol of possibility. Born in the United States to Korean immigrant parents, she was proof that someone who looked like her could thrive in a sport that was Western-developed and male-dominated. For Choi, Kim wasn’t just a champion, but the possibility of her dreams. 

As a child, Choi watched Kim’s dynamic runs and cultural pride. Kim was able to represent a bridge of Korean heritage, tradition, and modern global sport. This representation planted a dream that would eventually carry Gaon Choi to the Olympic stage. 

More Than Competition

For nearly a decade, Kim was a mentor figure to Choi, offering encouragement, guidance and even support when Choi went through injuries. They shared meals, translated at hospitals, and Kim even connected Choi to U.S. Coaches to help her rise. Kim reflected on their bond:

“I love Gaon so much, I have so much respect for her. I’ve known her since she was a very small child. Watching her progress felt like seeing kind of a mirror reflection of myself and my family… I feel like a proud mom.”

Passing the Torch

The Olympic final was tense as Choi overcame two crashes, but with the help of some guidance from Chloe, Choi’s final run was excellent as she earned 90.25 points, securing the gold medal. Even surpassing her mentor, Choi became the youngest snowboarding winner at the Winter Olympics, and the first South Korean woman to win an Olympic snowboarding medal. Speaking after competing, Choi said:

“Competing with her just makes me so happy, because Chloe is my idol.”

Legacy Beyond Medals

Gaon Choi’s victory isn’t just about a medal, but the culmination of mentorship, cultural pride, and the generational impact of representation. Through Kim’s guidance, Choi gained more than technique; she inherited belief and resilience. Their journey showed how mentorship can transform from individual success into a shared legacy.

From watching her Korean American idol from afar to standing alongside the same Olympic podium, Choi’s journey is proof that through guidance, encouragement, and shared identity, dreams are achievable. Thanks to Kim and Choi, a whole generation of athletes can now see themselves reflected in that light.