Gaon Choi wins Gold at 2026 Winter Olympics: Inspiration, Guidance, and Unwavering Support
- yoMamaRice
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
by Judy Jean Kwon
Our close friend Gaon Choi took Gold in Halfpipe Snowboarding, and we could not be more proud of her.
Gaon Choi took Gold in the 2026 Winter Olympics’ women’s halfpipe snowboarding, and we all witnessed her incredible bravery. She fell hard on her first run — known for going high on her tricks, decking on the pipe and dropping 22 feet to the middle of the halfpipe. I wasn’t sure if she would continue after that fall, but knowing her, as long as she hadn’t broken any bones, she would push on.
Then I saw “DNS” on the FIS scoring — indicating she was injured and would not continue. My heart sank. But a split second later, there she was on the TV monitor, standing at the top of the pipe, ready for her second run. She went for it and fell again on her switchback. The camera captured her dejected face, and I was on edge, unsure what to think, fingers tightly crossed.
Then came her third run. She launched into it with full gusto — and landed it cleanly, winning Olympic Gold. We always knew she could do it. She is fearless. With the unwavering support of her parents — who gave her both roots and wings — she was able to fly. Watching all of their hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance culminate in that golden moment has been extraordinary.
Koreans Take the Stage
An amazing moment came after the win. Chloe — who was vying for her third Olympic Gold — hugged Gaon tightly, her joy for Gaon entirely genuine. Chloe, who has been mentoring and supporting Gaon, was more than graceful; she was heartfelt, a living testament to her guidance and care. Together, they pass on the torch and lift others: supporting one another, and lifting each other up. Even while pursuing her own goals, Gaon extends the same care and mentorship she has been given, passing it on to Tristam.
Carrying forward the legacy, as Chloe guides Gaon, Gaon’s family has mentored my son, Tristam. I met Gaon’s family in Mammoth Lakes. At the time, Tristam was 13, and I was one of only two Koreans around. Tristam was a little boy with long hair, which was in fashion in America, but the style puzzled Gaon's family. Long hair on boys are not common in Korea.
We had just joined the Mammoth team after our stint in Hawaii in pursuit of halfpipe, but I didn’t really know anything about snowboarding. What began as simple chats with Gaon’s mom in the cafeteria while we watched over the halfpipe gradually grew into something much more.
After noticing Tristam in the pipe attempting his tricks dangerously, Gaon’s family stepped in. They didn't want him to injure himself again. He had broken his arm in the halfpipe recently. Tristam had wanted to ride the pipe for years, but I didn’t know how to guide him properly. Out of genuine care and concern, they took Tristam under their wing. They began advising and mentoring Tristam, helping shape his path and direction. They encouraged us and ultimately set us on the road to truly chase this dream.
They have supported us in more ways than we can count. They have been our family on the road as we’ve lived out of suitcases chasing the pipe. Their presence in our lives has truly felt like a blessing.
Without the love, belief, and mentorship of Gaon’s family, Tristam would not have come this far. We know we still have a long road ahead, but we move forward with deep gratitude.
We are truly thankful to have shared in this journey — a unique experience I never could have imagined, and a friendship that means the world.
Congratulations to Gaon on her bravery, skills and perseverance.
If you want to support Tristam on his journey -
follow Tristam at IG @TristamtheBoarder
donate on his GoFundme - https://gofund.me/4b5599a80
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