Olympic Snowboarder Chloe Kim Talks Competitive Gaming and Mario Kart Prep Ahead of the 2026 Winter Games
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Olympic snowboarding champion Chloe Kim talks Mario Kart, mental health, and competitive gaming ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in a recent feature by Polygon.
Olympic gold medalist Chloe Kim is proving that her competitive edge extends far beyond the halfpipe and straight onto the virtual track. In a recent feature by Polygon, Simone de Rochefort caught up with the snowboarding champion at Nintendo's flagship store in Midtown Manhattan, where Kim was putting her Mario Kart skills to the test ahead of the February 2026 Winter Olympics. Trading shell attacks and high-stakes races with her best friend and roommate Austin Cho, Kim showcased the same fiery drive that earned her multiple world championships. Instead of agonizing over kart stats, Kim opts for pure aesthetic dominance, famously rocking Mayor Pauline in a custom gold sports car that matches her glittering collection of medals.
Gaming has been a lifelong sanctuary for Kim, dating back to getting her first Nintendo DS at age seven and falling in love with Mario Kart and Pokémon. Her casual affinity for classic titles like Pokémon offered a much-needed escape from the intense pressures of elite sports. That balance has become even more crucial recently as Kim navigated a well-documented journey to rediscover her passion for snowboarding. After winning her first Olympic gold at just seventeen, the crushing weight of public expectations took its toll, leading her to take a break from competing and prioritize mental health. By leaning into therapy and protecting her love for the sport, she found her way back to the slopes with a healthier, more grounded perspective.
Today, that renewed joy for life translates directly into her gaming sessions, where she approaches couch multiplayer with total intensity. Whether she is dodging blue shells or snatching a victory at the final second, Kim represents a growing wave of modern athletes who proudly embrace gaming as a primary social outlet and stress reliever. As she prepares for the upcoming Winter Games, her ability to disconnect through gaming highlights how digital spaces serve as an essential lifeline for high-pressure competitors. For the full story and more athlete gaming insights, check out the original report on Polygon.
Tags: Gaming Culture, Nintendo, Mario Kart, Esports and Athletes, Polygon
Original article: Polygon