Chloe Kim Powers Into Halfpipe Final After Injury Scare As Mastro Qualifies Third

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Chloe Kim brushed aside recent injury concerns to qualify first for the women’s snowboard halfpipe final at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, posting the top score in Wednesday’s session at Livigno Snow Park.

The two-time defending Olympic champion, competing for the first time since tearing the labrum in her left shoulder last month, delivered a commanding opening run of 90.25 to lead the field into Thursday’s 12-rider final.

Kim’s score put her roughly three points clear of Japan’s Sara Shimizu, the reigning Winter X Games champion, while fellow American Maddie Mastro secured third with an 86.00.

Dominant Return After Shoulder Injury

Kim, 25, combined a backside 720, switch straight air method, cab 1080 stalefish, frontside 900 and indy 540 in a run that showed little sign of physical limitation. Earlier this week, she said her shoulder was “feeling good” and confirmed she would compete with a taped-down brace for stability.

“In a funny way, it’s made my riding better,” Kim said. “I literally can’t move this arm as much as I normally would. Once we’re in there, focusing on what we want to do, [my] mind goes completely blank. I’m not thinking about my shoulder. Just thinking about what I’m trying to accomplish.”

Mastro, who enjoyed a career-best 2024-25 season before her own injury setbacks, landed a strong second run featuring a nine and back-to-back sevens to clinch third place. South Korea’s 17-year-old Gaon Choi finished sixth with an 82.25, while American Bea Kim claimed the final qualifying spot in 10th.

There was concern for China’s Liu Jiayu, the 2018 Olympic silver medallist, who suffered a heavy fall on her second run and was treated by medical staff before being taken off the course by toboggan.

Kim will drop in last for the final, traditionally seen as an advantageous position. Victory would make her the first snowboarder to win Olympic gold in the same event at three consecutive Games.