Chloe Kim says shoulder injury will not sideline Olympic return

U.S. snowboard halfpipe star Chloe Kim shared Tuesday that a torn labrum in her shoulder will not prevent her from competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

The injury occurred during a training session in Switzerland earlier this month and will force the 25-year-old Korean American athlete to miss the Laax Open and likely the Winter X Games, two key events in the lead-up to the Games. In an update on Instagram, Kim shared that medical imaging ruled out the need for surgery and she expects to return to riding shortly before women’s halfpipe competition begins in Livigno.

Kim disclosed the injury last week after undergoing an MRI following her fall. Initial concern centered on a possible shoulder dislocation, but further evaluation revealed a torn labrum without additional structural damage. In a video posted to social media, Kim said the diagnosis was a relief given the timing of the injury, adding, “I’m really grateful that it’s not worse and that I don’t need surgery.”

The injury comes as Kim prepares for her third consecutive Olympic appearance, having won gold in women’s halfpipe at the 2018 PyeongChang Games and again at the 2022 Beijing Games. Missing January competitions limits her opportunity to fine-tune runs and test difficulty before the Olympics, where she enters as a top contender in the field. Kim previously secured her Olympic spot through results earlier in the season, allowing her to focus on recovery as the Games approached.