Snowboarder Choi Ga-on returns to competition in New Zealand

Olympic gold medalist Choi Ga-on has returned to competition at the Snow League World Challenge in Cardrona, New Zealand, marking her first snow training session following a period of injury rehabilitation.

Choi, who secured South Korea’s first-ever gold medal in a winter Olympic snow event at the 2026 Milano Cortina Games, overcame a significant crash during her first run to win the women’s snowboard halfpipe. Her performance also earned her two Crystal Globes in the halfpipe and park and pipe categories for the 2025-26 FIS World Cup season.

Currently managing back injuries and recovering from a fractured hand, Choi is focusing on technical refinement and physical conditioning. She expressed a desire to move beyond her recent achievements to become the best snowboarder in the world, stating her goal is to “surpass myself” rather than simply following others.