What’s the Secret to Chloe Kim’s Gold Medal-Winning Moves?

At just 17 years old, Chloe Kim became one of the youngest Olympic snowboarding champions in history when she won gold in the women’s halfpipe at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. Her stunning display of talent and skill left the world in awe, but what exactly is it that makes her so good?

Let’s take a closer look at some of the secrets behind Chloe Kim’s gold medal-winning moves.

Early Start

Chloe Kim’s father was a snowboarder himself and introduced her to the sport when she was just 4 years old. From a young age, Kim showed a natural tendency towards the sport, and her father recognized her potential. He even quit his job to help support her snowboarding career, and the two would often spend days on the mountain together.

Kim’s early start in snowboarding gave her a head start over many of her competitors. By the time she was old enough to compete professionally, she had already honed her skills and developed a deep love for the sport.

Determination and Work Ethic

While natural talent can only take you so far, it’s an athlete’s determination and work ethic that can set them apart. Chloe Kim is known for her incredible work ethic and drive. She trains for several hours a day, six days a week, and is constantly pushing herself to improve.

In an interview with ESPN, Kim’s coach, Ben Wisner, described her as “probably the hardest-working athlete I’ve ever been around.”

Consistency

One of Chloe Kim’s greatest strengths is her consistency. She is able to perform at a high level consistently, even under pressure.

At the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, Kim landed back-to-back 1080s (three full revolutions in the air) in her final run to secure the gold medal. This was the first time a woman had ever landed back-to-back 1080s in competition, and it was a testament to Kim’s ability to perform consistently even under pressure.

Technical Ability

Of course, natural talent, determination, and consistency wouldn’t mean much without the technical ability to back it up. Chloe Kim’s technical ability is what makes her a true superstar in the sport of snowboarding.

Kim’s signature move is the backside air, in which she launches herself off the wall of the halfpipe, turns 180 degrees in the air, and lands back on the wall to continue her run. She has also perfected other difficult tricks, such as the frontside 1080 and the cab 900.

Kim’s technical ability is a result of years of training and practice. She is constantly working to improve her technique, and her dedication to the sport is evident in her performance.

Mentality

Finally, one of the lesser-known secrets to Chloe Kim’s success is her mentality. She approaches the sport with a positive attitude and a focus on having fun.

In a blog post for Team USA, Kim wrote, “I’m on Team USA because I love snowboarding and competing, but the best part is always having fun with my teammates. And if I’m having fun, the results usually come.”

Kim’s positive mentality and focus on having fun helps her to stay relaxed and perform at her best, even under high pressure situations like the Olympics.

Conclusion

Chloe Kim’s gold medal-winning moves are the result of many factors working together. Her early start in the sport, determination and work ethic, consistency, technical ability, and positive mentality have all contributed to her success.

While Chloe Kim’s talent is certainly exceptional, there are lessons to be learned from her approach to the sport. By working hard, staying focused, and having fun, anyone can achieve their goals – whether in snowboarding or any other aspect of life.