Teen snowboarder Choi Gaon claimed her third World Cup victory of the season by winning the women's halfpipe event at the FIS Snowboard World Cup in Laax, Switzerland, with a score of 92.50 points. Despite a heavy fall in her first run, she delivered a flawless second run to secure the gold. Her success bolsters her status as a strong medal contender for next month's Winter Olympics in Italy.
In the women's halfpipe final at the International Ski Federation (FIS) Snowboard World Cup in Laax, Switzerland, on Saturday (local time), 17-year-old Korean sensation Choi Gaon secured her third victory of the season. She scored only 21.25 points after a heavy fall in her first run but rebounded spectacularly in the second with a switch backside 720 stalefish (two spins in opposite stance), backside 900 stalefish (2.5 spins), and frontside 1080 melon (three rotations), earning 92.50 points for the win.
Japan's Rise Kudo took second place with 82.75 points, while China's Cai Xuetong finished third with 75.25 points. Choi had previously won World Cup titles in China and the United States in December, marking this as her third straight victory. Competitors performed two runs, with the higher score counting, judged on difficulty, height, and execution.
"I am so happy to win three straight World Cup titles. The first run was a tough one, and I am happy with the success of my second run," Choi said in a message relayed by her Seoul-based agency, All That Sports. "With the Olympics nearing, my confidence keeps growing as well. I want to work even harder."
South Korea has yet to win an Olympic gold in snowboarding, positioning Choi as its best hope. She faces competition from Korean-American star Chloe Kim, the two-time defending champion sidelined by a shoulder injury, who aims to achieve a historic three-peat.
