Olympic Gold Medalist Choi Ga-on Returns Home, Thanks Lotte Chairman for Support

Choi Ga-on (Sewha Girls' High School), who won Team Korea's first gold medal at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, returned home on the 16th.

Wearing the Korean team uniform with her gold medal proudly around her neck, Choi entered the Incheon Airport arrivals hall. Despite the tight schedule following her snowboard women's halfpipe gold medal win on the 13th (Korea time) and the long flight, she stood before the gathered press with her characteristic calm demeanor.

In the women's halfpipe final held in Livigno, Italy on the 13th, Choi was in 11th place among 12 finalists before her third and final run. She scored 90.25 points to clinch a dramatic come-from-behind victory.

She drew worldwide attention by defeating Korean-American star Chloe Kim (USA), who had been the most celebrated athlete across all events and was seeking her third consecutive Olympic title.

Choi, who has solidified her position as the world's best by winning three times on the 2025-2026 FIS World Cup circuit, shared her feelings: "I was in Milan until yesterday so it didn't feel real, but now that I'm back and being welcomed like this, it feels more real and I'm happy."

"I'm flustered and embarrassed because I didn't expect so many people to come to the airport," she said with a smile. "But I'm equally happy and grateful."

After falling hard during her first run, she was seen limping at the medal ceremony, raising concerns. "My knee has improved a lot," Choi explained. "I'll need to visit the hospital for a checkup."

When asked about food cravings after returning home, she showed her youthful energy: "The beef jeon my grandmother makes. I also want to eat Dubai chewy cookies and malatang."

When the topic of Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin came up—who supported her surgery costs after she seriously injured her back at a Swiss World Cup event in January 2024—she said, "He supported and cheered for me during my most difficult time, which is why I'm able to stand here today. I'm always grateful."

Choi met short track speed skating national team member Choi Min-jung (Seongnam City Hall) at the Olympic Village the day before. "I watched the short track competition and thought she was so cool, so I said I wanted to meet her, and the opportunity came," she said. "We kept telling each other how cool we were."

Regarding Yoo Seung-eun (Seongbok High School), who won bronze in snowboard big air, she said, "I haven't met her since she won her medal. Before that, I told Seung-eun to 'beat all the Japanese athletes who are strong in big air.'"

About her plans after returning, she said, "I'll have a celebration party with my family, and I have pajama parties scheduled with friends for two days in a row."

Sharing her aspirations, Choi said, "I want to become an athlete who works even harder and shows various techniques." She added advice for younger athletes: "In halfpipe, enjoying the ride is the most important thing, so I hope young athletes can have fun without getting injured."