“Told Me To Be A Golfer”: Changing Narrative For Asian Americans, Snowboarding Queen Chloe Kim Opens Up On Taking The Unique Path

Chloe Kim, the two-time snowboarding gold medalist, is more than just an athletic sensation. At an intimate Q&A session at The University of Colorado-Boulder, she unveiled the untold side of her journey. From conquering the Olympics at 17 to battling the immense pressure that came with it, Chloe’s story is one of relentless determination and self-discovery.

But Chloe’s impact extends beyond the slopes; she’s become a role model for young Asian Americans, breaking stereotypes and championing individuality. Her message is clear: don’t let others define your path. Chloe Kim’s journey is a testament to resilience, inspiring a new narrative for Asian Americans in the world of sports.

Early success doesn’t come easy

Chloe Kim, in her talks with The Denver Gazette, revealed the struggles she’s been dealing with due to success at a young age. She said, “I kind of miss being 13 and being the underdog — there was no pressure back then.” “I got to get on that podium because that’s what people are expecting of me. I felt like for a long time if I didn’t win, I was a failure,” she added.

Besides talking about her struggle with mental health, she proudly quoted her Korean-American identity saying, “I really want so many other young Asian Americans to feel what I feel because I think for the longest time we’ve been put in this box. So many family members told me to be a golfer or a lawyer. I don’t have the qualifications for those things, but I’m a pretty good snowboarder,” Kim added.

Chloe Kim: The Youthful Prodigy Who Defied Age and Expectations

Chloe Kim’s journey to snowboarding stardom began at the tender age of four. By 13, she was already making history as the youngest woman to earn an Olympic gold medal in the halfpipe event. Her path was far from conventional, with a move to Switzerland and early success at the X Games.

A rule prevented her from competing in the 2014 Winter Olympics, but Kim continued her meteoric rise, dominating the sport. Her spectacular 2018 Olympic gold win, marked by back-to-back 1080° jumps, solidified her legacy.

Read more: “I Was a Failure”: Burdened by Pressure, Snowboarding Queen Chloe Kim Opens Up on Her Struggles

Chloe’s impact transcends her achievements, as she defied fame’s challenges to become an Olympic icon and an inspiration for aspiring athletes worldwide.

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