Choi Ga-on: Olympic Success & Passing the Torch to Choi Min-jeong

MILAN, Italy – South Korean snowboarder Choi Ga-on, fresh off winning the first gold medal of the 2026 Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics in the women’s halfpipe, visited short track speed skater Choi Min-jeong at the Olympic Village on Friday, offering a gesture of support as the skater prepares for her events.

The meeting, facilitated by the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, came at the request of Choi Ga-on, who has long admired Choi Min-jeong, according to officials. Choi Min-jeong reportedly embraced Choi Ga-on upon their meeting and congratulated her on the gold medal win. Choi Ga-on then presented her medal to Choi Min-jeong, expressing her hope for the skater’s success.

“Choi Min-jeong is a truly amazing athlete,” Choi Min-jeong said, according to the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee. Choi Ga-on’s victory on February 13th in Livigno, Italy, marked the first gold medal for the Korean delegation and the first-ever Olympic gold in snowboarding for the nation. Despite being based in the Livigno athlete village, Choi Ga-on made a special trip to Milan to offer her support.

Choi Min-jeong is scheduled to compete in the women’s 1000m and 1500m semi-finals, as well as the 3000m relay final. She has previously won three gold medals and two silver medals at the Olympic Games. The visit from Choi Ga-on comes as Choi Min-jeong prepares for a demanding schedule, aiming to add to her already impressive Olympic record.

The Korean delegation has celebrated Choi Ga-on’s win as a significant moment for the nation’s winter sports program. The unexpected visit to the Olympic Village underscores a spirit of camaraderie within the Korean team as they compete in Italy.