Two-time Olympic gold medalist Chloe Kim has dislocated her shoulder in training, casting uncertainty over her participation in the upcoming Winter Games in Italy. The injury occurred during a practice session in Laax, Switzerland, on Thursday, 8 January 2026, just weeks before the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics.
Kim shared the news on social media, posting a video of the fall where she described it as “the silliest fall” that resulted in her shoulder dislocation. She is currently awaiting the results of an MRI scheduled for Friday to determine the severity of the injury. In her statements, Kim expressed a mix of optimism and concern, noting that she has some range of motion and isn’t in severe pain, but is worried about the shoulder potentially popping out again.
The 25-year-old snowboarder is aiming to make history by becoming the first action-sports athlete to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals. She previously triumphed in PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022, establishing herself as a dominant force in women’s halfpipe snowboarding. Her potential absence from the Games would be a significant blow, as she is one of the most recognizable and celebrated athletes in winter sports.
This injury follows another setback Kim experienced in December during a World Cup event in Copper Mountain, Colorado, where she withdrew from the finals after a training fall. However, that incident was not considered serious, and she quickly returned to training. The current injury, however, appears more concerning and could impact her readiness for the Olympics.
Kim has already secured her spot on the U.S. snowboarding team for Milano Cortina 2026, having qualified through her performances in the previous season. The Olympic women’s halfpipe competition is set to begin on 11 February, giving her limited time to recover and prepare. The Laax Open, a key tune-up event, is scheduled for next weekend, and it is uncertain if she will be able to compete.
Despite the challenges, Kim remains hopeful. She emphasized that she feels good about her snowboarding skills and is focused on getting cleared to compete as soon as possible. Her positive attitude and resilience have been hallmarks of her career, and she is determined to overcome this hurdle.
The injury raises questions about the U.S. team’s prospects in the halfpipe event, where Kim has been a consistent favorite. Other athletes may need to step up, but Kim’s unparalleled technical prowess and competitive record make her irreplaceable. The snowboarding community and fans worldwide are anxiously awaiting updates on her condition.
As Kim undergoes medical evaluation and rest, the countdown to the Winter Games continues. Her journey to a potential third gold medal is now fraught with uncertainty, but if history is any indication, she has the tenacity to bounce back. The coming days will be critical in determining whether she can take to the halfpipe in Italy and chase Olympic glory once more.
