Chloe Kim Prepares for Historic Olympic Moment with Personal Revelation
American snowboarding sensation Chloe Kim stands on the brink of Olympic history. The 25-year-old athlete aims for her third consecutive gold medal at the 2026 Winter Games in Cortina. Before this monumental challenge, Kim shared a surprising personal secret with her fans.
The Toenail Extension Strategy
In a January 2026 interview with Women's Health magazine, Kim revealed she wears Gel-X toenail extensions. This practice stems from the physical demands of elite snowboarding. "I have a hard time with my toenails because I always lose those," Kim explained. "I'm missing two toenails right now."
The athlete maintains a monthly mani-pedi routine, but traditional nail care cannot withstand her sport's intensity. Kim described how snowboarding at her level takes a serious toll on her entire body, including her feet. She never anticipated how much discomfort she would experience from simple daily activities.
Unexpected Moments and Olympic Focus
Kim shared a humorous incident that highlights the unpredictable nature of her toenail extensions. "They come out all the time," she said. "One time, I was on a plane and my big toenail came out. I didn't know what to do with it. I just threw it in the seat."
Despite these light moments, Kim maintains serious focus on her Olympic goals. The Cortina Games will mark her third Olympic appearance. She could become the first woman ever to win three straight gold medals in snowboard halfpipe.
Managing Pressure and Injury Recovery
Kim discussed the historical pressure with PEOPLE magazine in November. "I don't really feel that type of pressure," she stated. "The pressure I feel is wanting to do the best that I can and see what happens from there. I just really want to enjoy this journey more than anything."
Her preparation faced significant challenges. On January 8, Kim dislocated her shoulder during practice. Medical examinations confirmed a torn labrum. She provided hopeful updates to fans shortly after, declaring herself "good to go" for the Olympics despite limited training time.
"I haven't gotten nearly the amount of reps that I would have liked, but that's OK," Kim said about her reduced practice schedule before the Games.
The Physical Toll of Elite Snowboarding
Kim's revelation about toenail extensions underscores the extreme physical demands of professional snowboarding. The sport requires tremendous force and precision, affecting athletes' bodies in unexpected ways. Kim's approach demonstrates how top competitors adapt to maintain performance and comfort.
Her monthly self-care routine represents just one aspect of comprehensive preparation for Olympic competition. Kim balances injury management, technical training, and mental preparation as she approaches her historic third Olympic appearance.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will test Kim's resilience and skill as she pursues an unprecedented third consecutive gold medal. Her candid discussion about physical challenges provides rare insight into the realities of elite athletic preparation.
