The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina have delivered no shortage of drama, but few stories are capturing hearts quite like the tale of Chloe Kim and her unwavering quest for snowboarding history—supported every step of the way by Cleveland Browns superstar Myles Garrett. As Kim, already a two-time Olympic gold medalist at just 25, carves her way through the halfpipe, she’s not only chasing a third gold and an unprecedented record but also leaning on a relationship that’s blossomed in the spotlight.
Kim’s journey to these Games has been anything but straightforward. After her iconic win at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Kim opened up about the emotional toll that followed. “Beijing was just challenging in itself. It was during COVID. It wasn't like the most ideal circumstances,” she told ELLE in a candid interview. The absence of her family and friends was palpable. “Family couldn't be there. Friends couldn't be there. No one could be there. By the time I came back home, I had already kind of experienced all the waves of emotion, and I spiraled into another depression.” She described the aftermath as “very strange,” a testament to the psychological rollercoaster athletes often face after years of singular focus.
Despite those struggles, Kim has remained at the pinnacle of her sport. Heading into the 2026 Olympics, she faced yet another daunting challenge—a torn labrum in her shoulder, suffered just weeks before the Games. Many wondered if she’d be able to compete at all, let alone at her usual world-class level. But Kim’s resilience shone through. On February 11, she stunned the crowd in Livigno with a 90.25 score in her first halfpipe qualifying run, securing first place and setting herself up as the favorite for the final on February 12. NBC Olympics & Paralympics couldn’t help but gush: “Chloe Kim WOWS with a huge first run in halfpipe qualifying.”
Behind the scenes—and often right there in the stands—has been Myles Garrett, Kim’s boyfriend and perhaps her biggest fan. Garrett, 30, capped off his own historic NFL season by winning the 2025 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award unanimously, notching a record 23 sacks and earning his seventh Pro Bowl selection. With the Browns’ playoff hopes dashed, Garrett wasted no time jetting off to Italy to cheer on Kim. “I finish up here Sunday, get back for about 12 hours, and then I hit the road and go to see her,” he told People before the Super Bowl, making clear where his priorities lay.
Their romance, which began quietly, burst into the public eye in May 2025 when the couple appeared together at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards. By November, the world saw them share a heartfelt kiss on the sidelines before a Browns game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Since then, Kim and Garrett have been more open about their relationship, sharing glimpses of their support for each other on social media. On February 11, after Kim’s stellar Olympic qualifier, she posted a playful Instagram story: “me scolding him for not bringing the sunscreen I bought him 😂😂.” The lighthearted moment underscored their bond, even as the stakes soared on the slopes.
Garrett’s support hasn’t just been symbolic. When Kim suffered her shoulder injury, he flew to Switzerland to be by her side during her recovery—a gesture that Kim has said changed her life for the better. Their mutual admiration is evident. Kim told USA Today, “Honestly, Myles is such an incredible athlete. I’m constantly inspired and in awe of him and how hard he works and how incredibly kind he is. He genuinely is one of the kindest people I think I’ve ever met. I’m really lucky to be part of his life and lucky that he’s part of mine. Yeah, we’re happy.” Garrett, for his part, described their dynamic as “just so supportive of one another,” adding, “She’s always texting, she’s always calling to see how I’m doing during the year and I’m doing the same right now, checking on her, seeing how she’s feeling, emotionally and physically.”
But it’s not all serious business between these two elite athletes. Their competitive streaks run deep, even off the field and halfpipe. “I’m more romantic than her,” Garrett joked to People. And while Kim grew up in a household that didn’t follow American sports closely—“I had no idea who he was. Like, zero idea,” she confessed—the two have found common ground in their shared commitment to excellence and mutual encouragement.
The world has taken notice of this power couple, with fans and media alike celebrating their respective achievements and the support they show each other. Garrett’s Instagram stories have been filled with videos of Kim’s runs, adorned with green check marks, praying hands, and heart stickers. After Kim’s qualifying run, he told ESPN, “She’s going to do it. She’s the best.” That kind of belief, coming from one of the NFL’s most dominant defenders, carries weight.
As Kim prepares for the halfpipe final, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Should she clinch gold, she’ll become the first snowboarder in Olympic history to win three gold medals—a feat that would cement her legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Yet, whether or not she stands atop the podium, Kim has already demonstrated extraordinary resilience and grace under pressure, overcoming injury and emotional hurdles alike.
For fans, the Kim-Garrett story is more than just a sports romance; it’s a testament to the power of perseverance, empathy, and partnership at the highest levels of competition. With the Olympic final looming, all eyes are on Livigno to see if Kim can make history. One thing’s for sure: she won’t be facing it alone. Garrett will be there, cheering her on, perhaps with sunscreen in hand this time.
As the 2026 Winter Games continue, Chloe Kim’s shot at a third gold remains one of the most compelling storylines. Whether she secures her place in the record books or not, her journey—marked by vulnerability, strength, and love—has already inspired millions. The action isn’t over yet, and the world will be watching as Kim takes her next run toward greatness.