🏂 Choi Ga-on's Tearful Fighting Spirit & Hwang Dae-heon's Prolonged Silence ⛸️ - 2026.03.29🏂 Choi Ga-on's Tearful Fighting Spirit & Hwang Dae-heon's Prolonged Silence ⛸️ - 2026.03.29

Hello, fans! Milano Expeditioner is back this week with a bunch of hot news! 💌 The passionate emotions from the Milano Olympics are still fresh, but it's already the end of March. Time flies, doesn't it? It's been a month since the games ended, but the deep lingering feelings left by our heroes are still moving the world. I'll give you all the detailed updates today!

🏂 "Even if I Die, I'll Ride" Choi Ga-on's Tearful Fighting Spirit

First, let's talk about snowboard halfpipe athlete Choi Ga-on, Korea's first snow sports Olympic gold medalist and the youngest (17 years, 3 months) gold medalist. Recently, global media outlet CNN highlighted Choi Ga-on's unbelievable indomitable spirit, making a huge splash ^[1]. Everyone's heart dropped during that terrifying moment when she fell hard on her second jump in the first run of the finals, right? She managed to get up on her own, but the impact was so severe that a 'Did Not Start (DNS)' sign even appeared on the scoreboard before the second run.

However, a truly surprising fact was revealed through this interview. It turns out she had broken three tailbones from that fall during the Milano Olympics ^[1]. What's more, her body had already endured a major surgery in 2024 to insert six metal plates due to a spinal fracture. Right after the injury, she felt so desperate that she didn't want to snowboard at all, but her confession that she focused on recovery thinking, "To be happy again, I have to snowboard," was so touching ^[1].

The most moving part was Choi Ga-on's mindset ahead of the third run. She revealed, "I cried on the way up and on the slope, but I decided to withdraw my forfeit because I didn't want to regret this moment for the rest of my life." And standing at the starting line, she promised herself, "Even if I die here, I must do my best on the third attempt" ^{[1] [4]}. Even in bone-chilling pain, there was no giving up ^[4]. In the end, she received an overwhelming score of 90.25, and following her Olympic gold, she became the first Korean athlete to win the FIS Crystal Globe ^[1]. We are so proud!

⛸️ Hwang Dae-heon's Prolonged Silence, What About the Selection Trials?

On the ice, there's some slightly frustrating news. Short track national team member Hwang Dae-heon's silence is dragging on ^[2]. On the 2nd, Hwang Dae-heon shared his feelings through his SNS while giving his thoughts on the Olympics. He reflected that it was "the hardest time physically and mentally" but also "a meaningful time to make myself stronger" ^[2].

He particularly mentioned his heavy heart over untrue parts being accepted as facts amidst the various stories surrounding him, suggesting he would directly clarify things by saying, "Before it's too late, I need time to correct what needs to be corrected and honestly reflect on myself." He promised to organize his thoughts and speak sincerely after the World Championships ended ^[2].

However, more than ten days have passed since he returned home on the 17th, and almost a month since he foreshadowed his explanation, yet there is still no particular statement ^[2]. The reason this is urgent is that the 2026-2027 season national team 1st selection competition will be held at the Mokdong Ice Rink from the 7th to the 9th of next month. As of the 27th, Hwang Dae-heon has not put his name on the application list ^[2]. Fans are anxious to see if he can brush everything off and make a fresh start before the trials, as even his participation remains uncertain 👀 ^[2].

✨ Shin Ji-a, "I Want to Be an Athlete Who Gives Emotion"

Lastly, let's heal with some warm news from figure skating fairy, Shin Ji-a! ⛸️ Do you all remember Shin Ji-a, who captured the hearts of fans worldwide by setting a personal best with a beautiful performance in the women's singles free skating at the Milano Olympics? She has revealed her aspirations for the next Olympics ^[3].

Shin Ji-a showed her endless will to improve, saying, "I think I still need to grow more" ^[3]. Isn't it reassuring that she isn't satisfied with her current results and is already looking toward the next Winter Olympics in 2030? Above all, she warmed our hearts by delivering a sincere message that she wants to "be an athlete who gives emotion" to the fans ^[3]. I'm already looking forward to how much higher and more magnificent her beautiful flight on the Milano ice will become in the future!

So that the sweat and tears shed by our athletes are not in vain, Milano Expeditioner will keep bringing you substantial news! See you in the next letter! 💌

📰 Reference News (4)

1

National Team Selection is Imminent... When Will Hwang Dae-heon Speak Up? Nearly a Month of 'Silence' → Participation in Selection Also Uncertain

네이버뉴스 · 2026.03.29

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2

'Yuna Kids' Shin Ji-a, Personal Best at the Olympics... "I Want to Be an Athlete Who Gives Emotion" [Sports Hankook Weekly]

네이버뉴스 · 2026.03.29

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3

"Even if I Die, I'll Do the 3rd Run"... High Schooler Choi Ga-on's Mental Strength Surprises US CNN → "Overcoming a Spinal Fracture to Win Olympic Gold, Truly Amazing"

네이버뉴스 · 2026.03.29

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4

돌발 발언! 최가온, "내가 만약 죽더라도"...대한민국에 감동 선사한 불굴의 정신력, "포기란 없어, 최선을 다하잔 생각만"

네이버뉴스 · 2026.03.29

📰 View original