Choi Gaon Returns Home in Glory: "I Want to Eat Grandma’s Yukjeon, Malatang, and Dujjonku"

'Milan Hero' Returns Home... "It Feels Real Now That I'm in Korea"
Grateful to Lotte Chairman Shin Dongbin for Covering Surgery Costs

Choi Gaon, who clinched the gold medal with a dramatic come-from-behind victory in the women's snowboard halfpipe at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, returned to Korea through Incheon International Airport on the afternoon of the 16th.

Entering the arrivals hall with the gold medal around her neck, Choi told reporters, "Until yesterday I was still in Milan, so it didn’t feel real, but now that I’ve arrived in Korea and you are all here to welcome me, it feels more real and I’m happy," adding, "I didn’t expect so many people to come, so I’m flustered and a bit embarrassed, but that much more happy and grateful."

Choi Gaon, who won the gold medal in the women's snowboard halfpipe at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, is being interviewed by reporters after returning through Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 on the 16th. Yonhap News

When asked what food she wanted to eat after returning home, she gave an answer befitting a teenager, saying, "Yukjeon that my grandmother makes," and adding, "I also want to eat Dujjonku (Dubai chewy cookies) and malatang." As for her schedule after returning, she said, "I’m going to have a celebration party with my family, and I have pajama parties with my friends lined up for two nights in a row," drawing laughter at the scene.

Regarding concerns about a possible knee injury during the competition, she reassured fans by saying, "My knee has gotten much better," while adding, "I still need to go to the hospital to have it checked."

Choi suffered a serious back injury at the World Cup event in Switzerland in January 2024, which once put her athletic career in jeopardy. At that time, Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dongbin covered her surgery costs. Choi said, "I think I am able to stand here today because he supported and encouraged me during the toughest time," adding, "I am always grateful."

Choi Gaon, who won the gold medal in the women's snowboard halfpipe at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, poses as she returns to Korea via Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport on the 16th. Yonhap News

She concluded by expressing her aspirations, saying, "I want to become an athlete who works even harder and shows you a wider variety of tricks," and added, "In the halfpipe, the most important thing is to enjoy riding, so I hope the younger athletes can enjoy it and stay injury-free."

In the final on the 13th, Choi was down in 11th place after her second run, but produced a spectacular performance in her third and final run to score 90.25 points, defeating the world’s strongest rider, Chloe Kim, to take the top spot. She had also claimed three victories in the International Ski Federation (FIS) World Cup during the 2025-2026 season.