The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy are heating up, and all eyes are on the U.S. snowboarding team, especially halfpipe contenders Chloe Kim and Bea Kim. These two stars share more than just a last name; both are Asian-American snowboarders from California with Olympic aspirations. But are they related?
Quick Stats
- Bea Kim's Olympic Debut: 19-year-old Bea Kim will compete in her first Winter Olympics in 2026.
- Chloe Kim's Legacy: Chloe Kim won gold at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games at just 17.
- U.S. Women's Snowboarding Team: The team includes Chloe Kim, Bea Kim, and other talented riders like Maddie Mastro and Stacy Gaskill.
The Kim Connection: More Than Just a Name
Inspiration and Aspiration
For Bea Kim, Chloe Kim's success at the 2018 PyeongChang Games was a major turning point. Seeing another Asian-American from California dominate the sport inspired Bea to pursue her own Olympic dreams [3]. "It just meant so much,” Bea told Olympics.com. “As a young girl who was getting into the sport, but also as an Asian American, seeing her on such a big stage really meant a lot."Similarities and Differences
Both Bea and Chloe are from Southern California and share a passion for social causes. However, despite the shared last name and backgrounds, they are not related. Bea is Korean and Japanese-American, while Chloe is second-generation Korean-American [2].Friendship Forged in Snow
Since becoming teammates, Bea and Chloe have developed a strong friendship. "It's really meaningful, especially just because she's just an all-around fun person," Bea said of her friendship with Chloe to Olympics.com.By The Numbers
- Bea Kim's Rise: At 19, Bea is making her Olympic debut, showcasing her rapid progress in the sport [3].
- Chloe Kim's Dominance: Chloe is aiming for her third straight halfpipe gold at the Milan-Cortina Games [4].
- Mammoth Mountain Connection: Both Kims trained at the renowned Mammoth Mountain club, known for producing top snowboarding talent [4].
What To Watch Next
Keep an eye on Bea Kim as she navigates her first Olympic experience, drawing inspiration from her teammate and friend, Chloe. Can Chloe Kim continue her reign, or will a new generation, including Bea, challenge her dominance? The women's snowboard halfpipe promises to be a thrilling event at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
