INCHEON – The "Queen of the Halfpipe" has returned to a hero’s welcome.
Choi Ga-on, the 18-year-old snowboarding sensation who captured South Korea’s first gold medal at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, arrived at Incheon International Airport on Monday afternoon. Clutching her gold medal, the Sehwa Girls' High School student greeted a cheering crowd, still seemingly dazed by the magnitude of her achievement.
"Until yesterday, being in Milan, it didn't feel real," Choi told reporters, her face flushing with a mix of exhaustion and joy. "Seeing so many people here to welcome me is a bit overwhelming and shy, but it finally makes me realize that I won the gold. I am incredibly happy right now."
A Historic Victory Against the Odds
Choi’s victory on February 13 at the Livigno Snow Park was nothing short of cinematic. Competing in the women’s snowboard halfpipe final, she scored a staggering 90.25 points. In doing so, she dethroned the legendary three-time gold medal hopeful Chloe Kim (USA), who finished with 88.00 points.
Beyond being the first gold for the South Korean delegation in 2026, Choi’s win marks the first-ever Olympic gold medal in a snow sport for South Korea—a historic milestone for a nation traditionally dominated by ice sports like short track and speed skating.
The 'Daddy-Long-Legs' Behind the Success
However, the path to the podium was paved with physical pain and uncertainty. In 2024, Choi suffered a severe back injury that required major surgery and over a year of grueling rehabilitation. During her homecoming, Choi took a moment to publicly thank her "Daddy-Long-Legs"—Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin.
Chairman Shin, a lifelong skiing enthusiast and former member of the Korea Ski Association, has been a silent benefactor for the sport. When Choi was at her lowest, Shin stepped in to cover her entire surgery and treatment costs, totaling approximately 70 million KRW (approx. $52,000 USD).
"Chairman Shin supported me when I was going through my hardest times," Choi said. "It is because of his immense support and encouragement that I am able to stand here today. I am eternally grateful to him."
Resilience on the Rink
The drama didn't end with her recovery. During the Olympic finals, Choi suffered a knee injury after a fall in her first run. Despite the pain, she pushed through to her third and final run, executing a flawless performance that vaulted her into first place.
"My knee is much better now," she reassured fans. "I plan to head to the hospital for a full check-up soon, but the adrenaline of the win definitely helped."
Simple Pleasures and Future Dreams
When asked what she missed most about home, the Olympic champion sounded like a typical teenager. While she admitted to receiving a "Dubai Chocolate Cookie" (a viral trend) as a gift in Italy, her cravings were more traditional.
"I really want to eat the Yukjeon (pan-fried beef) my grandmother makes," she said with a smile. "And right now, I’m craving Malatang (spicy hot pot) more than anything."
Choi also shared a heartwarming anecdote about meeting South Korean short-track legend Choi Min-jeong at the Olympic Village. "I watched her race on the 14th and she was so cool. We met at the village and just kept telling each other, 'You're so cool, no, you're so cool!'"
As for the future, Choi isn't looking too far ahead. "I don't focus on distant goals. I just want to be an athlete who works hard and shows the world even more sophisticated techniques." Her advice to the "Next Choi Ga-ons" was simple: "The most important thing in the halfpipe is to enjoy the ride. I hope young athletes stay safe and just have fun with it."
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