* Translated by Papago

Starnews

"Du Chunkurang Dubai Chewy Cookie." He was the first female high school student in Korea, Choi Ga-on, 17 years old without Korea. [Milan Olympics]

Published :

Ahn Hokeun

*This content was translated by AI.

Choi Ga-on returned home via Incheon International Airport on the 16th and is interviewing reporters. /Photo = Newsis

"I wanted to eat Dubai Chewy Cookie and malatang the most."

He is the hero who won the youngest gold medal in the halfpipe snowboarding at the Winter Olympics at the age of 17 years and three months, but the innocence of a high school girl was reflected outside the stadium.

Choi Ga-on (Sehwa Girls' High School) returned home via Incheon International Airport on the 16th with a gold medal at the 2026 Milan and Cortina D'Ampezzo Winter Olympics.

Choi Ga-on, who left the arrival hall with unexpected hospitality from many fans, expressed his extraordinary feelings. According to Newsis and News 1, Choi Ga-on said, "I'm embarrassed and ashamed that so many people came, but I'm so happy and grateful," adding, "I'm so honored that my first Olympic medal was a gold medal and I feel like I have the whole world."

Although he had a fatal back injury, he survived a difficult time of rehabilitation and returned to the Olympic season and rebounded completely. Choi Ga-on, a three-time World Cup champion, was by far the favorite to win the event.

However, he suffered a big impact on his knee due to a fatal landing mistake in the first period of the final and also fell in the second period. There was also a dissuasion to the third period, but Choi Ga-on did not give up in the end, and even defeated Chloe Kim (USA), the second consecutive Olympic gold medalist.

Choi Ga-on left the arrival hall and is thrilled by the large welcome crowd. /Photo = Newsis

In the process of being like a movie, the American media The Athletic also cited Choi Ga-on's journey as one of the best scenes from the first half of the Olympics.

Choi Ga-on, who beat his idol Chloe Kim to the top, said, "I haven't thought of a long-term goal yet, but I want to work harder and show a lot of good skills."

In questions outside the game, the bright side of a high school girl was shown as it was. "When I go back to Korea, I want to eat the food my grandmother made for me," he said, adding, "I want to eat the meat pancake my grandmother made the most," adding, "I couldn't talk much and just made a short video call."

In addition, those who were listening to the question about the food they wanted to eat burst into laughter. Choi Gaon said, "I really wanted to eat Dubai Chewy Cookie (Dubai chewy cookies), but it's okay because I ate it from Milan because the fans gave it to me. I want to eat malatang the most."

As I only looked at this moment and prepared for a long time as a player, I want to enjoy this joy to my heart's content for the time being. "I think I'll have a celebration party with my family today, and I'll meet my friends in the evening and have a celebration party," Choi Ga-on said, revealing his busy schedule, "Thank you for supporting my friends even during practice, and I have a pajama party with my friends for two consecutive days."

Choi Ga-on poses while biting the gold medal after leaving the arrival hall. /Photo = Newsis

She also had a special meeting with short track empress Choi Min-jeong. "I watched the game and he said he wanted to meet me because it was so cool. Fortunately, we met at the athletes' village and kept saying, "You're cool, you're cool."

Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin contributed the most to being able to endure a difficult time. Lotte is the chairman of the Korea Ski Snowboard Association, and Chairman Shin also served as the chairman of the association from 2014 to 2018. He founded a ski and snowboard team based on his relationship as a skier during his school days and gave full support to the team. It also provided the full cost of Choi Ga-on's surgery treatment of about 70 million won.

Choi Gaon said, "I feel like I can stand here because you supported and supported me during the most difficult times. I'm always grateful," he said.

I know the pain of injury and the difficult process of rehabilitation better than anyone else. For the "Choi Gaon Kids," who will develop hope while watching him, he said, "I think it's most important to enjoy and ride the snowboard halfpipe. He gave sincere advice, saying, "I hope young players will enjoy riding without getting hurt."

The reporters and the welcoming crowd gathered in time for Choi Ga-on's return to Korea. /Photo = Newsis

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*This content was translated by AI.

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