Chloe Kim tore a labrum in training but expects to compete at the Feb. 11 Olympic halfpipe in Livigno. MRI shows a less severe tear; she’ll skip the Laax Open to recover. For bettors, expect Kim’s outright odds to drift — consider reduced stakes or backing her for a podium rather than a win, and monitor final fitness reports before placing large wagers.
Chloe Kim suffers labrum tear in training but targets Livigno return
Chloe Kim revealed she tore her labrum in a recent training accident but remains optimistic about being ready for next month’s Winter Games in Livigno. An MRI indicated the tear is less severe than initially feared, yet the injury will keep her out of the Laax Open, the final World Cup event before the Olympic break.
Injury details and recovery plan
Kim posted video footage of the fall, which showed her board catching and sending her into the halfpipe. She described the diagnosis candidly, saying she’s disappointed to miss competition and won’t get the usual training reps ahead of the Olympics. Kim wore a shoulder brace during recovery and expects to resume snowboarding closer to the Games’ start.
Recent setbacks and preparation concerns
This labrum tear follows a separate training injury that forced Kim out of a World Cup event in Colorado last month. With limited on-snow reps in the lead-up, Kim admits preparation will be truncated, but she remains confident about her readiness for competition in Livigno, where the halfpipe event begins Feb. 11.
Olympic resume and what’s at stake
At 25, Kim is a two-time Olympic halfpipe champion (2018, 2022), a three-time world champion, and an eight-time X Games superpipe gold medalist. A successful return would put her on track for an unprecedented Olympic three-peat, achieved on an injury-shortened lead-in.
Betting implications and how punters should respond
The injury is likely to push Kim’s outright winning odds outwards and could invite sharper markets on other podium contenders. Punters should: - Monitor final training updates and official start lists before placing significant wagers. - Consider staking lighter on Kim for an outright win and shift value bets to podium finishes or rivals if fitness remains uncertain. - Watch for late scratches or coach statements that materially change market value.
Personal notes
Kim kept upbeat tones in her message and shared a light moment showing support from her partner, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, who visited her during recovery.
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Kim is the first woman to repeat as Olympic champion in halfpipe. She is set to try for a third straight crown in Italy.
Theathleticuk
