Bea Kim: From Chloe Kim Fan to Olympic Teammate
In the snow-dusted peaks of the Italian Alps, a new star is emerging in women's halfpipe snowboarding. Bea Kim, a 19-year-old phenom, steps into the spotlight as a rookie on the United States' powerhouse team for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. What makes her story even more compelling? She once idolized teammate Chloe Kim, the two-time Olympic gold medalist, and now they're sharing the halfpipe—and the dream of glory.
From Mammoth Mountain Dreams to Olympic Reality
Bea Kim's journey began on the slopes of Mammoth Mountain in California, a legendary training ground for elite snowboarders. Like Chloe Kim and three-time Olympian Maddie Mastro, Bea calls this rugged terrain home. Growing up Korean-Japanese-American, she joined the Mammoth snowboarding team as a child, her passion ignited by the thrill of aerial tricks and gravity-defying spins.
At just nine years old, in fourth grade, Bea channeled her ambitions into poetry. "I am the gold medalist at the 2022 Winter Olympics," she wrote, envisioning tears of joy as a medal draped around her neck. Though that timeline shifted, her determination didn't waver. Fast-forward to today, and Bea's not just dreaming—she's living it, selected for her first Olympics alongside idols turned teammates: Chloe Kim, Maddie Mastro, and 31-year-old veteran Maddy Schaffrick.
Inspiration from the Queen of Halfpipe
Bea Kim's admiration for Chloe Kim runs deep. In 2018, at age 13, she attended the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in South Korea with her family—parents, younger brother, and grandparents. It was a cultural homecoming, blending visits to Seoul and a first trip to Japan. But the highlight? Watching Chloe, then 17, dominate the halfpipe and claim gold.
"That was a pivotal moment," Bea reflected. "Seeing someone who looked like me do something so incredible inspired me to pursue this path." Unaware at the time of Chloe's youth, Bea now marvels at it: "Now that I'm closer to that age, it's like, 'Wow, that was insane.'" The two aren't related, despite the shared surname, but Bea finds amusement in the mix-up—especially with two Maddys (different spellings) on the team.
Through her sponsor, Delta Airlines, Bea shared in January how surreal it feels: "To be on the same team as them, go to the Olympics together, and call them friends has been so special." From fan to teammate, Bea's arc embodies the Olympic spirit of aspiration and camaraderie.
A Voice Beyond the Slopes: Climate Advocacy
Bea Kim isn't just an athlete; she's a force for change. Passionate about the environment, she aligns with Protect Our Winters (POW), an organization mobilizing athletes against climate threats to winter sports. Her advocacy has taken her to global stages: addressing the United Nations on climate action and speaking at the White House.
This fall, Bea heads to Columbia University to study environmental science, blending her athletic prowess with a commitment to planetary health. Her work underscores a growing trend in sports—athletes using their platforms for social good. As melting glaciers and erratic weather patterns endanger mountains like Mammoth, Bea's voice amplifies the urgency.
Standing Up in a Divided World
During a team press conference in Livigno, Italy, ahead of qualifying rounds, Bea's poise shone. When asked about President Donald Trump's criticism of men's freeskier Hunter Hess over his comments on representing the US, the rookie didn't flinch. "We're very divided, but I'm proud to represent the United States," she said. "Diversity is what makes us strong—look at us four here, from different backgrounds."
Her words highlight the team's mosaic: Chloe's Korean-American heritage, Bea's Korean-Japanese roots, and the collective grit forged on California's slopes. In a polarized era, Bea's optimism cuts through, proving snowboarding's unifying power.
The Road to Milano Cortina
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina mark a milestone for women's halfpipe. With Chloe Kim, the event's back-to-back champion, leading the charge, the US team boasts depth and talent. Bea enters as the wildcard—the assured newcomer ready to challenge for medals.
Her training regimen is grueling: perfecting double corks, alley-oops, and switches on 22-foot walls. But Bea's edge? Fearlessness. As she told USA TODAY Sports, the Olympics aren't just about tricks; they're about legacy. Inspired by Chloe's 2018 triumph, Bea aims to inspire the next generation.
Australia, with its own winter sports heritage in places like Thredbo and Perisher, watches keenly. While the Games are in Italy, Bea's story resonates Down Under, where climate impacts on snow seasons mirror global concerns. Fans across the region can stream events via local broadcasters, cheering this rising star.
Breakout Potential and Beyond
Will Bea Kim snag a podium spot? Experts say yes—her technical skill and mental fortitude position her as a dark horse. Post-Olympics, Columbia awaits, where she'll balance studies with snowboarding. Long-term, expect Bea in advocacy circles, perhaps influencing policy as she shreds slopes.
Bea Kim's debut isn't just a personal win; it's a testament to perseverance, diversity, and purpose. From a fourth-grade poem to Olympic teammate of her idol, her path inspires. As the Milano Cortina Games unfold, all eyes are on this 19-year-old trailblazer.
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