Olympic champion snowboarder Chloe Kim has confirmed she will be fit to compete at next month’s Winter Olympic Games, easing fears over her participation after suffering a shoulder injury during training.
The 25-year-old American dislocated her shoulder last week while preparing in Switzerland, prompting concern that her historic bid for a third consecutive Olympic gold medal could be in jeopardy. However, following medical scans and further assessment, Kim has now reassured fans that she will be ready for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, which run from 6–22 February in Italy.
MRI Scan Reveals Less Severe Injury
Kim underwent an MRI scan on Friday after experiencing pain and instability in her shoulder. The results revealed a labrum injury, but one that doctors believe is less serious than initially feared.
Taking to Instagram to update supporters, Kim described herself as “good to go” for the Olympics, adding that the nature of the injury meant surgery would not be required.
“There are two different ways to do it, and the way I did it is less severe than the other, so I’m really happy about that,” Kim explained.
While the injury will temporarily limit her preparation, the diagnosis has allowed Kim to continue her Olympic plans without major disruption.
Training Setback Ahead of Milan-Cortina Games
Despite the positive prognosis, Kim admitted the timing of the injury is far from ideal. Doctors have advised that she will not be able to snowboard until shortly before the Games, restricting her ability to train and log competition-style runs.
“Obviously, I’m really disappointed that I can’t snowboard until right before the Olympics, which is going to be hard,” she said.
“I haven’t gotten nearly the amount of reps that I would have liked, but that’s OK.”
Kim acknowledged the challenge of returning to peak form with limited preparation, but stressed that experience and mental resilience would play a key role in her comeback.
Chasing an Unprecedented Olympic Three-Peat
Kim is aiming to make history by becoming the first woman to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the halfpipe.
- Pyeongchang 2018 – Gold medal at just 17 years old
- Beijing 2022 – Successfully defended her title
- Milan-Cortina 2026 – Targeting a historic third crown
In addition to her Olympic success, Kim is a three-time World Championship gold medallist in the halfpipe and widely regarded as one of the greatest snowboarders of all time.
Her return to Olympic competition is already one of the most anticipated storylines of the Games.
‘Every Season Brings Different Challenges’
Reflecting on the setback, Kim said injuries and obstacles are part of elite sport, particularly for athletes who have competed at the highest level for more than a decade.
“It’s funny, I’ve been doing this for so long, and every season I’ve met different challenges,” she said.
“But again, I’m so grateful that I will be good to go for the Olympics.”
Her comments underline both her experience and determination as she prepares to once again shoulder the pressure of Olympic expectations.
Focus Turns to Recovery and Readiness
With less than a month until the opening ceremony, Kim’s focus will now be on rehabilitation, conditioning, and mental preparation, ensuring she is ready to perform when competition begins.
While the lack of training time presents a challenge, Kim’s track record suggests she thrives on the biggest stage — even when circumstances are less than ideal.
A Major Boost for Team USA
Kim’s confirmation that she will compete is a significant boost for Team USA, who view her as one of their strongest medal hopes at the Winter Games.
As the countdown to Milan-Cortina continues, all eyes will be on Kim’s recovery — and whether she can once again redefine what is possible in Olympic snowboarding.
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