Chloe Kim's Status Cemented as "Laureus Action Sportsperson of the Year" for Third Time

In a career defined by gravity-defying runs and historic dominance, Chloe Kim scaled a new professional peak on Monday night, April 20. At a star-studded gala in Madrid, Kim was awarded her third Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award, further solidifying her status as the greatest female halfpipe snowboarder in history.

The ceremony, widely considered the "Oscars of Sport," brought together the world's most elite athletes to celebrate excellence across every discipline.

A Night of Icons in Madrid

The 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards were hosted by a "dream team" of global icons: 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic and freestyle skiing sensation Eileen Gu. The event, held at the Palacio de Cibeles, recognized a diverse cohort of champions:

• Carlos Alcaraz & Aryna Sabalenka: Claimed the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year honors, respectively, after dominant seasons on the tennis court.

• Rory McIlroy: Honored with the Comeback of the Year Award for his resilient return to the top of the golf rankings.

• Nadia Comăneci: Received the Lifetime Achievement Award on the 50th anniversary of her historic "perfect 10" at the 1976 Olympics.

The Kim Legacy: Redefining Progression

At just 25 years old, Chloe Kim has spent over a decade at the summit of snowboarding. Her third Laureus statuette follows a 2025/26 season that saw her continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the halfpipe.

Kim’s trophy cabinet is now among the most decorated in winter sports history:

• Olympic Pedigree: 2 Gold medals (2018, 2022) and 1 Silver medal (2026 Milan-Cortina).

• X Games Dominance: 8 Gold medals, drawing her level with legend Shaun White for the most decorated halfpipe competitor in the event's history.

• Triple Crown: One of the few athletes to hold Olympic, World Championship, and X Games titles simultaneously.

"To be recognized by the Laureus Academy is incredibly humbling because these are the people who truly understand the grind," Kim said. "Snowboarding is about progression and finding your own voice on the snow, and this award belongs to everyone pushing those limits."

Peer-to-Peer Recognition

What sets the Laureus Awards apart is the voting process. Winners are selected by the Laureus World Sports Academy, a jury of 69 sporting legends. For Kim, winning for a third time signifies more than just a successful season; it represents sustained excellence and the respect of her peers across the entire sporting world.

As Kim prepares for the next chapter of her career, this latest accolade serves as a reminder that she isn't just competing against a field of riders—she is competing against the history of the sport itself.