Chloe Kim’s Olympic Dreams at Risk After Shoulder Injury

American snowboarding star Chloe Kim is facing uncertainty regarding her participation in the upcoming Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics after suffering a dislocated shoulder during training in Laax, Switzerland. The incident occurred earlier this week, with Kim expressing her frustration over the injury, which she described as resulting from the “silliest fall.”

In a video shared on social media, Kim can be seen landing a jump cleanly before losing her balance and tumbling face-first into the snow, sliding across the halfpipe. This injury comes just one month before the Olympic Games, raising concerns about her ability to defend her title in the halfpipe event.

Kim has achieved remarkable success in her career, including winning two Olympic gold medals. If she competes and secures victory in Milan, she would become the first female action-sports athlete to achieve a “three-peat,” winning three consecutive gold medals in the same event.

While Kim remains optimistic, stating that she has a full range of motion and is not in significant pain, the timing of the injury is critical. An MRI scan is expected to clarify whether she will need surgery or if a rapid rehabilitation program can prepare her for the qualifying rounds scheduled for February 11, 2026.

The 25-year-old athlete is no stranger to physical challenges. In December 2025, she withdrew from the final of the Toyota US Grand Prix at Copper Mountain, Colorado, after injuring her shoulder during warm-ups. Although that injury was not initially deemed serious, the recurrence of the same issue has raised concerns about her shoulder’s stability, which is vital in a sport that demands high-velocity landings.

In an emotional Instagram update, Kim shared, “The positive thing is, I have range, I’m not in that much pain. I just don’t want it to keep popping out, which has happened.” She admitted to experiencing waves of emotions and uncertainty about her Olympic status.

Having made a significant impact on the sport since her breakout performance at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympics, Kim has consistently pushed the boundaries of snowboarding. Her repertoire includes back-to-back 1080s and the first-ever 1260 landed by a woman at the 2024 Winter Games. The physical demands of her advanced tricks leave little room for error, particularly with an injury.

As Kim prepares for the possibility of competing at less than 100%, the dynamics of the women’s halfpipe event could shift dramatically. Without her in top form, the competition becomes more unpredictable, with a rising field of international talent eager to seize the opportunity.

The US Ski & Snowboard team has not yet announced a replacement as they await the results from the MRI. Even if cleared to compete, Kim may enter the Games without having completed a full competitive final this season, which could impact her performance.

Despite these challenges, Kim remains focused on her recovery, joking in her injury update, “p.s. I think I am getting old.” The next few days will be pivotal in determining whether she can write another chapter in her already illustrious Olympic story or if her journey will take an unexpected turn amid the snowy landscapes of Switzerland.