2026 Olympics: Snowboarding champ Chloe Kim honors her immigrant parents and US diversity

Chloe Kim seeks her third gold medal at the Olympics.

As Chloe Kim prepares readies herself in her quest for an unprecedented third gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, she’s making sure the world knows who paved the path to Italy.

In a poignant reflection shared just as the torch was lit, Kim pivoted from the technicalities of her run to the emotional weight of her heritage. For Kim, this isn't just about American gold—it’s about Korean American grit.

Kim spoke candidly about the "leap of faith" her parents, Jong Jin and Boran Yun Kim, took when they emigrated from South Korea.

"They left behind everything they knew — their language, their comfort, their entire support system — just so my sisters and I could have a shot at something bigger," Kim shared. "Every time I strap into my board, I’m carrying the weight of that sacrifice. I’m living the American Dream they dreamed for me before I was even born."

Kim's event is the Women's Half-Pipe which begins competition Wednesday.

For those of us watching from the Edge, Kim’s words hit home. She’s acknowledging the specific, often quiet struggle of immigrant parents who "empty their tanks" to fuel their children’s ambitions

RELATED: Chloe Kim wins gold medal in 2022

Kim's statement

Just before she begins her quest for a third gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, considering her timing, Kim posted on social media what can only be interpreted as a response to the anti-immigrant hate emanating from the Donald Trump regime: 

I can’t believe I’ve arrived in Milan to represent my country at the Olympic Games for the third time. If you told little me that, she wouldn’t believe you
This one feels especially meaningful for so many reasons.

My parents left South Korea in search of a better future for their family. They left behind everything they knew so that my sisters and I could have the chance to one day live the American dream. Their sacrifice is one I will never take for granted.

So when I stand at the top of the halfpipe, competing on the biggest stage in sport, I do so with immense pride. I am representing my country but I am also representing those who took a leap of faith, who came to this beautiful nation carrying hopes, dreams, and courage.

I am proud of my heritage.
I am proud of my journey.
And I am proud to represent a country that is strongest when it embraces diversity, dignity, and hope.

GO TEAM USA!!

Kim indicated that the hatred has persisted throughout her career, particularly escalating since 2020, and has forced her to take measures for her personal safety.
Kim noted that representing Team USA is an honor, but representing the immigrant experience is her "true north."

Her response came amid a broader political climate where several Team USA athletes at a press conference expressed "mixed emotions" about representing the country during the Trump regime's aggressive immigration enforcement and questionable ICE operations.

A half-pipe teammate Bea Kim (no relation) said, "I think there are a lot of different opinions in the US right now. Obviously, we're very divided." The18-year old from California added, "I personally am very proud to represent the United States. That being said, I think diversity is what makes us a very strong country and what makes us so special."

"Nowhere else in the world can an individual express themself with the level of freedom Americans can," added Bea Kim, who is participating in her first Olympics.

"The Olympics are more than just sport. They represent global unity and peace," wrote Bea Kim in a social media post on Sunday. "Diversity is what makes the United States so special. It is woven into the very fabric of our country."

Freestyle skiers Chris Lillis and Hunter Hess expressed heartbreak over ICE raids, while figure skater Amber Glenn noted the difficulties faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

American athletes Bea Kim, left, and Chloe Kim share a hug during a press conference.

"There's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of," Hess said at he news conference in Milan ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics. "Wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the US.

"I'm representing my friends and family back home, the people that represented it before me, all the things that I believe are good about the US. I just think if it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I'm representing it."

Chloe Kim shared that the prevalence of hate crimes and online abuse has led her to carry protective items like pepper spray and a knife for everyday safety.

The statements by the athletes have drawn rebukes from the Trump regime and radical conservatives who equate criticism as being unpatriotic, an ironic sentiment  from people who support the Jan. 6 Insurrection.

As Chloe Kim chases her third consecutive gold this week, Kim has made one thing clear: The medals might go in her trophy case, but the victory belongs to the man who quit his job to drive her to the mountains and the woman who taught her how to stand tall in a world that doesn't always see her.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge.