Snowboarder Bea Kim:From PV to the Olympics

Her Journey from Palos Verdes to the Olympic Stage

Photo by FP Movement

An Olympic Moment Years in the Making

For those who have followed Bea Kim’s snowboarding journey from the beginning, to the moment it was announced she made the Olympics, it feels especially meaningful. Palos Verdes native and world class snowboarder Bea Kim is one of the most exciting young athletes in women’s snowboard halfpipe. Now, she has officially qualified for the U.S. Olympic Snowboard Team, an achievement earned through years of dedication, resilience, and an unwavering love for the sport as a member of Team USA.

Palos Verdes Magazine began following Bea’s journey in 2021. At that time, we published our first story about Bea Kim setting her sights on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan–Cortina, Italy, marking the start of a remarkable path that continues to unfold.

For the full schedule and where to watch Bea Kim in her first Olympics

A Breakout Season on the World Stage

Bea’s rise on the world stage accelerated during the 2023–2024 season. This was a breakthrough year that firmly established her among the sport’s elite. In our 2024 feature documenting her ascent, we followed a pivotal chapter in that journey. This memorable year included her first World Cup podium, a third-place finish in the Crystal Globe standings, and competition at the X Games alongside the world’s top riders.

Impact Beyond Competition

As her competitive career accelerated, Bea’s influence also began extending beyond sport. In 2024, she spoke at the United Nations and addressed leaders on Capitol Hill, sharing her perspective as a young athlete navigating elite competition with purpose and intention.
She was also invited to speak at an international summit aboard a ship in the Arctic. Together, these experiences reflected her growing presence not only as an athlete, but as a thoughtful and emerging global voice.
Around the same time, Bea made a defining personal decision. In June 2025, she graduated from high school and chose to defer her first year of college in order to fully focus on her Olympic pursuit, stepping away from a traditional path with clarity and confidence.
She is set to begin her studies at Columbia University in the fall of 2026, continuing to balance academic ambition with elite-level athletics as her journey unfolds.

Photo courtesy of Kathy Ito Kim

“I want kids to know that joy and love of something is enough. Even if a dream seems impossible or out of reach, having fun, pushing yourself, and remembering why you are doing it will propel you forward.” 

From Setback to Comeback

Excitement for the 2024–2025 season was high, but it quickly became one of the most challenging chapters of Bea’s career. A shoulder injury requiring surgery sidelined her for the entire season, an especially difficult setback just ahead of the Olympic qualifying year.

Rather than rushing her return, Bea committed to a full year of rehabilitation. During that time, she rebuilt her strength, confidence, and resilience with patience and determination, laying the groundwork for what came next.

The 2025–2026 season marked the official Olympic qualifying year, with U.S. Snowboard using three World Cup events to determine who would represent the country on the Olympic stage: the Copper Grand Prix in Colorado, the Aspen Grand Prix in Colorado, and the Laax Open in Switzerland.

In her very first competition back after injury, Bea delivered a defining performance, earning third place at the Copper Grand Prix in December 2025. The podium finish dramatically increased her chances of qualifying and sent a clear message—she was back and ready.

An Olympic Dream, Fully Realized

By late January 2026, Bea’s comeback was officially rewarded when she was named to the U.S. Olympic Snowboard Team, securing her place on the world’s biggest winter sports stage. At just 18, she is also the youngest member of the U.S. Pro snowboard halfpipe team, a distinction that underscores both her talent and her rapid rise in the sport.

Photos by Facile Skin & U.S. Ski & Snowboard as noted

Competing alongside some of the world’s most accomplished riders, Bea represents the next generation of elite American snowboarders. Beyond competition, her influence continues to grow as she emerges as a brand ambassador, partnering with FP Movement, the performance and activewear line from Free People, as well as Facile Skin. These collaborations reflect her expanding presence in the wellness and lifestyle space alongside her athletic career.

A Community That Made the Dream Possible

Behind this milestone is an extraordinary support system. Family, friends, coaches, teachers, counselors, and mentors rallied around Bea throughout her journey, offering guidance and encouragement at every stage.

Even while being homeschooled, Bea remained deeply connected to her community. She received ongoing support from Palos Verdes High School teachers and counselors, college advisors, and mentors who believed in her unconventional path and encouraged her to keep going.

Bea Kim Reflects

She hopes her story inspires others to pursue what they love, even when the path forward feels uncertain. Reflecting on the journey, Bea’s mother, Kathy Kim, shared her perspective on the road to this moment. “She has been at this for ten years and has put so much time, energy, and hard work into it,” she said. “There have been so many ups and downs, but it has been so fun watching her grow and succeed throughout this journey.”

Palos Verdes Magazine has had the privilege of following Bea’s story for years—from a young athlete growing up on the Peninsula to a professional snowboarder and now an Olympian. This chapter feels especially meaningful because it reflects perseverance, heart, and the power of community support.

As Bea looks ahead to competing on the Olympic stage, the Palos Verdes community will be cheering her on—proud, inspired, and grateful to have watched this dream become reality.