Choi Ga-on’s comeback win in the women’s snowboard halfpipe at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics was named one of NBC’s top 10 moments from the first half of the Games.
On Feb. 17 (local time), NBC, the U.S. Olympic rights holder, posted its “top 10 moments” list covering the first 10 days after the opening of the Olympics. Choi’s gold medal was ranked No. 8.
In an article headlined, “Choi Ga-on beats Chloe Kim (USA) to win halfpipe gold,” NBC wrote that Kim “seemed certain” to complete a three-peat in Milan-Cortina, but said the only athlete who could stop her was South Korea’s 17-year-old newcomer, Choi. NBC added that it was “like a student beating the teacher,” and said it was striking to see Choi and Kim celebrating together.
NBC’s top pick was the 18-month-old baby of Swiss mixed doubles curling players Briar Schwaller and Yannick Schwaller, who drew attention by mimicking curling while the parents competed.
NBC ranked, from No. 2 to No. 7, American alpine skier Breezy Johnson’s women’s downhill title; Norway’s Johannes Klaebo setting a record with nine career individual Winter Olympic gold medals; Lucas Pinheiro Braathen winning Brazil’s first Winter Olympic gold (alpine skiing); Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov winning men’s figure skating singles gold; Ilia Malinin’s figure skating team event gold; and U.S. women’s hockey defenseman Laila Edwards.
Italian alpine skier Federica Brignone, who won two gold medals on home courses, was No. 9. American cross-country skier Jessie Diggins, who won bronze in her retirement season, was No. 10.
Choi’s comeback victory also made The Athletic’s list of the first half’s “seven best moments” a day earlier, drawing international attention.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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