Snowboarder Choi Ga-on reportedly diagnosed with three fractures after winning gold

Korean snowboarder Choi Ga-on has reportedly been diagnosed with three fractures just days after winning gold in the women’s halfpipe at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.  

 
Choi revealed the injuries on Thursday in a social media post. The caption read, “3 fractures,” but did not specify the location and extent of her injuries.

Choi scored 90.25 points in the women's halfpipe final at Livigno Snow Park in Italy on Feb. 13 to claim the Olympic title. She won despite crashing hard on her first run.

 
Though a stretcher was brought in after the incident, the athlete got back on the board.

I tried to move my feet by putting strength from my toes,” Choi said at a press conference. “I was fortunately able to [...] compete again.”

 
Choi fell again in the second run. However, in the final third run, she endured the pain and delivered a flawless performance to secure the gold medal.

 
Choi’s pain was evident as she, supported by her fellow competitors, limped onto the podium.

 
Upon returning to Korea through Incheon International Airport on Monday, Choi told reporters, “My knee has improved a lot now,” adding, “I plan to go to the hospital for a checkup.”

Edited using generative AI tools.
Source: https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2026-02-19/sports/olympics/Snowboarder-Choi-Gaon-reportedly-diagnosed-with-three-fractures-after-winning-gold/2526849

Comprehension

How many fractures was Choi Ga-on diagnosed with?
In which event did she win a gold medal?
What happened during her first run in the final?
How did she perform in her third run?
What did Choi say about her condition after returning to Korea?

Discussion

Why do athletes sometimes continue competing even when they are injured?
Do you think Choi made the right decision to keep competing? Why or why not?
What qualities are important for Olympic athletes?
How much risk should athletes take to win a medal?
How can sports organizations better protect athletes’ health?
What role does mental strength play in sports competitions?
Should athletes be required to stop competing if they are seriously injured?
How might this experience affect Choi’s future career?

Vocabulary

Fracture – a broken bone
Halfpipe – a U-shaped ramp used in snowboarding and skateboarding
Flawless – perfect; without mistakes
Endure – to suffer something difficult but continue
Podium – the platform where winners stand to receive medals