Teen snowboarder Lee Chae-un made waves at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, competing in the men’s halfpipe final on February 13 at Livigno Snow Park, Italy. His performance, which earned him a score of 87.50, placed him sixth overall. Despite not medaling, Lee’s achievement of landing the frontside triple cork 1620 is historic, marking him as the first athlete to successfully execute this challenging trick.
Performance Overview
Lee’s road to the final was tumultuous. In his first run, he fell while attempting the triple cork. He adjusted his trick composition in the second run but under-rotated during the landing. However, he delivered a strong final run, landing all his tricks cleanly, though it wasn’t enough to secure a medal.
- Gold Medal: Yuto Totsuka (Japan)
- Silver Medal: Scotty James (Australia)
- Bronze Medal: Ryusei Yamada (Japan)
Lee Chae-un’s Journey
Lee began snowboarding at the age of six when his father gifted him a toy board. At just 15, he made his Olympic debut at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, finishing 18th. This experience fueled his passion for the sport.
In 2023, he achieved a significant milestone by becoming Korea’s first snowboard halfpipe world champion at the FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboarding World Championships, making him the youngest champion in the event’s history. Lee expressed disbelief at his accomplishments, stating, “I can’t believe this moment. My mind is blown.”
Recent Victories
Lee continued to build on his success at the 2024 Gangwon Winter Youth Olympic Games, where he won two gold medals in the halfpipe and slopestyle categories. He remarked that these achievements brought him closer to his Olympic medal aspirations.
He also claimed gold in slopestyle at the Harbin 2025 Asian Winter Games. Unfortunately, the halfpipe finals were canceled due to severe weather, preventing him from competing for a medal in that discipline.
Comeback and Historic Achievement
Lee faced a significant setback in August 2024 when he suffered a torn meniscus, leading to surgery in March 2025. Despite this injury, he made a remarkable return to the sport. In November 2025, during a training camp in Switzerland, he made headlines for executing the frontside triple cork 1620, further establishing his potential for future competitions.
The Future of Snowboarding in Korea
Korea has a rich history in ice sports but has struggled in snow disciplines. However, Lee’s recent performances and those of his peers are positioning the nation for prospective Olympic success. With his pioneering achievements, Lee Chae-un has emerged as a formidable athlete on the global snowboarding stage.
Currently, Lee is pursuing his education at Kyung Hee University’s College of Physical Education, balancing academics and training as he aims for continued success in snowboarding.
