One run was enough.
A short (or huge) run.
From her first stint in the Zhangjiakou Pipe, 21-year-old Chloe Kim wowed the world (and the judges) and crushed the competition.
Becoming the first woman in history to retain her title in half-pipe snowboarding since the appearance of the discipline at the Games in 1998. Almost perfect, even if her score (94) does not reach the incredible level of Pyeongchang (98.50) in 2018.
It's not easy to be a star at 17
Moreover, the American of South Korean origin was not mistaken.
Kneeling in the finish area, she was already savoring her new crown even before the attempts of her competitors.
"I was so proud," she smiles.
I had had the worst training and it was really a lot of emotions to put in everything I had planned.
I feel like what happened is unreal.
»
🤯 Chloe Kim knocks out the contest from the first run!
With a score of 94.00, the American, Olympic champion and reigning world champion, takes off in this half-pipe final!
#Beijing2022 #HomeOfTheOlympics pic.twitter.com/aWuYPjOY4O
– Eurosport France (@Eurosport_FR) February 10, 2022
From the summit of Pyeongchang to that of Beijing, the native of Long Beach, a star beyond her discipline, has nevertheless experienced more lows than highs.
Consumed by pressure and depression.
It's not easy to become the center of the world at 17 and to take on the demands and the dark side of fame.
The teenager first lets her head spin in this whirlwind that takes her from TV shows to magazine covers, from video clips with stars in poses to become (literally) a new doll in the Barbie collection...
His 2018 medal in the trash
In March 2019, after an ankle injury, Kim put her snowboard away for almost two years.
Even throws his cursed medal in the trash.
Begins to build her life as a young woman on the benches of Princeton University with the simple need to become "normal" again.
The enchanted interlude lasts only a few months.
Until the arrival of Covid-19 in March 2020. Princeton closes, containment is rampant, and the six-time winner of the X Games spends her days at home with her nose glued to the TV.
Watching all the tragedies of the world fall on his shoulders.
“I had very difficult times.
I felt like I was being asked to be perfect all the time and I, on my couch, was very sad all the time, she says after her victory.
So I spent time with the people I love the most.
My biggest challenge now is to be happy and I hope one day a little girl will hear my story and be inspired by me.
»
THE QUEEN OF THE HALFPIPE REIGNS.
👑@ChloeKim wins back-to-back GOLD in Snowboard Halfpipe!
#WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/s0RqE43Taq
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) February 10, 2022
From fear to tears, from drama to drama, Kim falls into depression.
His only motivation is to take refuge in his bed to escape the bad news, which goes beyond the pandemic.
In recent months, Asian Americans have indeed suffered numerous racist attacks and the now double Olympic champion has been the target of attacks on social networks.
“I learned and grew a little”
After starting therapy, Kim got back on stage last year.
And resumed her dominance where she left off.
"I'm totally relaxed," she breathes.
I was much more prepared for these Games.
I learned a lot and grew a bit since the last time…”
Above all, like Naomi Osaka or Simone Biles, Kim did not hesitate to speak openly about her mental health.
“We are human,” she explains.
They showed that it was normal to take care of yourself.
People expect a lot from athletes, there is a lot of pressure.
It helped me come back…” If you're wondering where the Pyeongchang Charm ended up, don't worry.
“I picked it up from the trash can,” she says.
And for sure I won't do it again…”
