Bea Kim: A New Force in Snowboarding

LIVIGNO, Italy – At just 19 years old, Bea Kim is making waves on the United States’ women’s halfpipe team. She confidently stepped up to the microphone, unfazed by the presence of seasoned Olympians like Chloe Kim, Maddie Mastro, and Maddy Schaffrick. Assuredness isn’t something Bea Kim lacks, and she’s quickly becoming a name to watch in the world of snowboarding.

Addressing Controversy and Championing Diversity

During a press conference ahead of the qualifying round at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, a question arose regarding President Donald Trump’s criticism of fellow athlete Hunter Hess. While many might shy away from such a politically charged topic, Bea Kim didn’t hesitate to share her perspective.

“I think there are a lot of different opinions in the U.S. right now. Obviously, we’re very divided,” she stated. “I personally am very proud to represent the United States. That being said, I think diversity is what makes us a very strong country and what makes us so special. The four of us sitting here are an example of that – we all come from very different backgrounds.”

Beyond the Halfpipe: A Passion for the Environment

Bea Kim’s commitment extends far beyond the slopes. Her passion for the environment and involvement with Protect Our Winters (POW), a non-profit dedicated to climate advocacy, have led her to address the United Nations and speak at the White House. She’s also preparing to study at Columbia University, further fueling her dedication to environmental solutions.

A Mammoth Mountain Connection

Interestingly, Bea Kim and Chloe Kim, despite not being related, share a common ground: Mammoth Mountain in California. Both consider it their “home mountain,” and alongside Maddie Mastro, they all grew up honing their skills there. Bea Kim considers both Chloe Kim and Maddie Mastro as role models.

“To be able to be on the same team as them, go to the Olympics together and kind of call them my friends has been just so special,” she shared.

Inspired by a Champion

Bea Kim’s journey was profoundly influenced by watching Chloe Kim’s success at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea. Attending the Games with her family, she witnessed firsthand the impact of seeing someone who looked like her achieve greatness.

“That was, I think, a pretty pivotal moment in my own career of seeing someone who looked like me just do something super incredible and be able to inspire me to kind of go after this career path,” she explained. “I didn’t realize how young she was to be able to do something like that. And now that I’m closer to that age, it’s definitely like, ‘Wow, that was insane.’”

A Childhood Dream and a Determined Spirit

Even as a fourth-grader, Bea Kim envisioned Olympic glory. A poem she penned at the time boldly declared, “I am the gold medalist at the 2022 Winter Olympics.” While that prediction was slightly premature, her unwavering determination remains strong.

“I dream of being,” she wrote, “the best snowboarder in the world.”

The Impact of Climate Change on Snowboarding

Bea Kim’s connection to the outdoors is deeply personal, and she’s acutely aware of the impact of climate change on her sport. From receding glaciers to fluctuating snow levels, the effects are undeniable.

“It’s really easy to kind of see how climate’s affecting all of everything,” Kim said. A planned test event at the Olympic halfpipe site in Livigno was cancelled due to a lack of snow, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Overcoming Obstacles and Looking Ahead

After undergoing shoulder surgery in December 2024, Bea Kim faced a challenging recovery. Her first competition in over 11 months at Copper Mountain in December 2025 proved to be a testament to her resilience. Despite initial struggles, she secured a third-place finish, solidifying her spot on the Olympic roster.

“It’s always kind of a testament to willpower, I think,” she said. “My biggest competitor is myself, my own brain. I need to really push myself to my limits and do things that scare me.”

Bea Kim is determined to leave everything on the halfpipe and compete with no regrets. The 2026 Winter Olympics promise to be a defining moment in her career, and she’s ready to embrace the challenge.