Choi Gaon, the snowboarder who won South Korea’s first-ever snow sports gold at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, unveiled a fashion editorial defined by her effortlessly cool, expressionless gaze.
In her shoot with Elle, Choi channels the laser focus that’s guided her across the snow, the easy energy of someone her age, and the duality of an elite athlete balancing game-day intensity with everyday life.
An interview followed the shoot. On her post-Olympics condition, she said, “I’m recovering smoothly. I’m wearing a hand brace, but I can manage daily life and light training.”
On how life has changed since that historic gold, she shared, “After I got back, I went to a small cafe and the staff recognized me. That’s when it hit me―so many people know who I am.” As for how she spends her downtime: “I usually hang out with friends at cafes or karaoke.”
Thinking back to when she first started snowboarding, she recalled, “When I tried the halfpipe for the first time, I wasn’t scared―I just wanted to keep riding.” On why she returns to the board even after injuries, she said, “This sport is what made me who I am. It’s where I’ve spent the most time and grown the most.”
About her family’s support, she said, “My dad always walked down with me, carried my board, and gave me a push from behind. Remembering that dedication made me feel that seeing it through to the end is my job.”
On that unforgettable final run in the Olympic finals, she shared, “I wasn’t in the best shape, but I knew I’d regret it forever if I gave up. I didn’t want to stop there.” She added, “I’m glad I didn’t give up.”
On the feeling of carving down the snow, she said, “The light, the wind, the air―I can still feel it so clearly. It’s something I’ll never forget.” True to her name “Gaon,” meaning center in Korean, she added, “Winning gold doesn’t change anything. I’m just an athlete who needs to prepare for next season.” And the words she’d tell herself right before that Olympic final: “Don’t give up. Keep pushing as you are. Once you cross the snowfield, the next scene will follow.”
Choi Gaon’s photos and interview are available on Elle’s website and social channels, with video content rolling out soon. The full feature appears in Elle’s April issue.
Photo= Elle Korea
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)