Chloe Kim’s journey after her snowboarding injury has been a testament to resilience and reinvention. Overcoming setbacks, she has managed to not only recover but also redirect her energies towards new challenges and opportunities. This narrative of tenacity and adaptability highlights the complex journey of an athlete faced with adversity, offering insights into the life-changing impact of perseverance.
There’s a certain badassery built into a sport that entails hurtling headfirst on a tiny sled down a twisty track at speeds of up to 90 miles per hour. But Ro, the first American to medal in skeleton in 12 years at the IBSF World Championships in 2025, admittedly didn’t think it was for her at first.
The Reluctant Beginning
“The coach walks me to the line, lets me go, and all of a sudden, it’s going so fast, you cannot see anything, you cannot process anything,” she told The Athletic in December, reflecting on her initial experience in 2016. Initially deemed too small for bobsledding, Ro was thrust into skeleton. Her first impression was far from love at first sight. “I get to the bottom, and it’s like, ‘I’m done, bye! I’m not doing that s–t again!’” However, the allure of the sport eventually pulled her back.
From Hesitation to Dedication
A decade later, the Virginia native is preparing for her first Olympics, ready to compete both individually and in the new mixed (co-ed) team event debuting at the 2026 Games. This journey, while challenging, has showcased her commitment and growth within the sport, echoing Chloe Kim’s journey after her snowboarding injury. When determination is met with opportunity, remarkable outcomes often follow.
Balancing Act
Outside of her rigorous training and travels, Ro, who is the second-oldest of 11 siblings, juggles a day job as a tour guide at the Lake Placid Olympic Center. “I work there, I train there, I live and breathe that atmosphere all the time,” she explained. “And tourists love it because you have an athlete walking you around the facility, giving you their unique perspective. It’s really cool, but it’s not going to cover everything I need to do this sport.” Her story parallels Chloe Kim’s journey, demonstrating how athletes manage multifaceted lives to support their dreams.
Embracing those challenges, she continues to push forward, much like Chloe Kim did in her recovery and pursuit of new goals following her snowboarding injury. Both athletes embody a spirit of relentless drive, making their journeys truly inspirational.
