Chloe Kim Targets Historic Three-Peat: 2026 Winter Olympics Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe Final
LIVIGNO, Italy — The eyes of the sporting world turn to the Livigno Snow Park tonight, February 12, 2026, as American snowboarding icon Chloe Kim attempts to etch her name permanently into the record books.
The Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe final at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is set to be a historic showdown. Kim, already a two-time gold medalist, is the heavy favorite to become the first snowboarder ever to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the same event.
The Road to the Final: Kim Leads the Pack
Despite entering the Games with a lingering shoulder injury sustained during training in January, Kim silenced doubters during Wednesday’s qualifying session. She posted a commanding score of 90.25, the only athlete to break the 90-point barrier.
“I’m just happy to be here and landing runs,” Kim told reporters after qualifying. “The shoulder is stable, and the energy in Livigno is incredible. I’m ready to give it everything in the final.”
What Makes This Attempt So Historic?
If Chloe Kim wins gold tonight, she will:
- Become the first snowboarder to achieve a three-peat in Olympic history
- Join an elite group of only five Winter Olympians across all sports to win the same event three times consecutively
- Solidify her legacy as the greatest halfpipe rider of all time
The Contenders: A New Generation Rising
While Kim remains the “Queen of the Halfpipe,” a new generation of riders is breathing down her neck.
Sara Shimizu (Japan)
Qualifying in second with an 87.50, Shimizu brings technical precision that could challenge Kim if the American falters. Known for her flawless execution and amplitude, the Japanese rider has been consistent throughout the season.
Choi Ga-on (South Korea)
At just 17 years old, the X Games sensation is Kim’s most dangerous rival. Choi has already proven she can beat the best and is looking to bring South Korea its first snowboarding gold. Her fearless style and progressive tricks make her a genuine threat.
Maddie Mastro (USA)
Kim’s teammate qualified third (86.00) and is hunting for her first Olympic podium after narrowly missing out in previous Games. Mastro’s consistency could earn her a medal if the favorites slip.
Dark Horses to Watch:
- Queralt Castellet (Spain) – The veteran has Olympic bronze experience
- Mitsuki Ono (Japan) – Rising star with explosive run potential
- Xuetong Cai (China) – Two-time World Champion looking for redemption
Event Schedule & How to Watch
The final will consist of three runs per athlete, with the highest single score determining the podium.
| Run | Local Time (CET) | Pakistan Time (PKT) | US Eastern Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final Run 1 | 19:30 | 11:30 PM | 1:30 PM |
| Final Run 2 | 19:59 | 11:59 PM | 1:59 PM |
| Final Run 3 | 20:28 | 12:28 AM (Feb 13) | 2:28 PM |
Where to Watch Live:
- USA: NBC Olympics, Peacock streaming
- Pakistan: PTV Sports, Olympic Channel
- UK/Europe: Eurosport, BBC Sport
- Global Stream: Olympics.com official platform
What’s at Stake? Legacy vs. Youth
Tonight’s final represents more than just medals—it’s a generational battle.
For Chloe Kim (25):
- A chance to cement GOAT status
- Redemption after injury struggles
- Potential final Olympic appearance
For Choi Ga-on (17):
- Opportunity to dethrone a legend
- Launch a new era in women’s halfpipe
- Become South Korea’s first snowboard champion
The Shoulder Injury: Will It Hold?
Kim’s January shoulder injury has been the talking point leading into the final. While she’s cleared to compete, questions remain:
✅ Positive Signs:
- Dominated qualifying despite pain
- Full range of motion demonstrated
- Veteran experience managing pressure
⚠️ Concerns:
- Reduced training time in final weeks
- Risk of re-injury on high-amplitude tricks
- Younger competitors are fully healthy
Sports medicine experts suggest Kim’s biggest challenge won’t be physical—it’s mental fortitude under pressure with a compromised body.
Predicting the Podium
Based on current form, injuries, and qualifying performances:
🥇 Gold Prediction: Chloe Kim (USA)
🥈 Silver Prediction: Choi Ga-on (South Korea)
🥉 Bronze Prediction: Sara Shimizu (Japan)
Dark Horse Pick: Maddie Mastro could sneak onto the podium if the pressure affects the favorites.
Why This Matters Beyond Sports
Chloe Kim’s journey transcends athletics:
- Asian-American representation in winter sports
- Mental health advocacy (she took a break in 2022-23 for well-being)
- Women’s empowerment in extreme sports
- Inspiring the next generation of female athletes
A win tonight would prove that resilience, authenticity, and excellence can coexist.
Fan Reactions: Social Media Explodes
Twitter/X is already buzzing:
“Chloe Kim is about to do something NO ONE has ever done. History in the making! 🏂🔥” – @WinterSportsFan
“Choi Ga-on is 17 and fearless. This could be the changing of the guard.” – @SnowboardLife
“Injured or not, you can NEVER count out Chloe. She’s built different.” – @TeamUSA
The Final Question: Can She Do It?
As the sun sets over the Italian Alps and the halfpipe lights illuminate, one question dominates:
Can Chloe Kim overcome injury, pressure, and a hungry new generation to achieve the impossible?
The answer arrives in just hours.
Official Outsource Links & References
For live scoring, official brackets, and broadcast rights, please refer to the following verified sources:
- Official Olympics Results Portal: Olympics.com – Snowboarding Schedule [1]
- International Ski & Snowboard Federation (FIS): FIS Snowboard Halfpipe Rankings [2]
- Broadcaster (USA): NBC Olympics – How to Watch Chloe Kim [3]
- Broadcaster (UK/Europe): Eurosport Winter Sports Coverage [4]
- Athlete Profile: Chloe Kim Official Stats [5]
Will you be watching history unfold? Drop your predictions in the comments below! 🏂🥇