Korea's First Gold Medalist Choi Ga-on Credits CJ's Korean Food for Peak Performance

Choi Ga-on, the high school snowboarder who claimed South Korea's first gold medal at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, expressed gratitude to sponsor CJ Group at an official press conference.

At the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee press conference held at Korea House in Milan on January 14 local time, Choi responded to questions about support from family and sponsors. "CJ Bibigo sends me so much Korean food that I travel with a full suitcase of it," she said. "Eating Bibigo Korean food abroad has really helped me maintain my condition."

CJ has supported Choi since 2023 based on Chairman Lee Jae-hyun's "Dream Keeper Philosophy," providing comprehensive backing for her to train in optimal conditions. Under the chairman's long-held belief that "companies should become 'dream keepers' who protect young people's dreams," CJ has focused on athletes' growth potential rather than short-term results.

Even during her competition hiatus due to a back injury, Choi dedicated herself to rehabilitation with CJ's continued support. Three years into the sponsorship, she repaid that trust with Olympic gold in Milan.

Asked about her next goals, Choi said: "I won't set distant targets anymore. I'll focus on tomorrow. I want to become a better snowboarder than I am now."

After the press conference, Choi visited the CJ booth at Korea House, experiencing K-lifestyle brands showcased in Milan. The self-described Olive Young shopping enthusiast consulted with staff at the lip touch-up bar and tried products at the K-beauty experience zone.

She toured CJ ENM's K-culture exhibitions and took mirror selfies at photo zones. At the Bibigo booth, she lit up seeing familiar products she had received during overseas training.

"I powered through eating Gourmet Sobaba chicken," Choi said. "In America, where there's only fast food, it was great to have Korean-style chicken. I ate it with my older teammates, and it was so delicious we nearly finished everything—I kept asking for more."

A CJ representative said: "We are deeply grateful to Choi Ga-on for embodying our Dream Keeper Philosophy with her never-give-up spirit. We will continue discovering promising athletes and nurturing their dreams of becoming global number one."