Snowboard superstar Chloe Kim doesn't need to be on the slopes to steal the spotlight. The two-time Olympic gold medalist turned heads Thursday night at TIME's 100 Most Influential People in Sports gala in New York City, arriving in a breathtaking white dress that had fans doing double takes.
Kim, 26, has already cemented her legacy as one of the most dominant athletes in winter sports. She burst onto the global stage in 2018 as the youngest woman ever to win an Olympic snowboarding medal, then backed it up with another gold in 2022. Though she missed out on a third straight halfpipe title at the Milano Cortina Games earlier this year, she grabbed silver and handled the near-miss with remarkable grace.
Just three months ago, TIME named her one of the 100 most influential people of 2026, praising not only her athletic achievements but also her authenticity off the snow. "Chloe Kim makes effort look cool," the magazine wrote. "Any athlete who has competed at the highest level knows how much work goes into moments that look effortless from the outside. What I love about Chloe is that she doesn't pretend it's easy. She embraces the grind of Olympic snowboarding and still brings so much style, confidence, and personality to everything she does."
The magazine also highlighted her willingness to speak openly about the pressures of elite sport and her commitment to protecting her mental health—a message that resonates deeply with young athletes. "That kind of honesty is powerful, especially for young athletes who are watching and learning what success can actually look like," TIME added.
At Thursday's event, Kim's white dress became an instant talking point. Fans flooded social media with reactions like "She's a dream," "Stunning," and "Incredible." It was a fashion moment reminiscent of other stars who've commanded attention at high-profile gatherings—like Laura Rutledge's show-stopping black dress at the ESPYs or Liv Morgan's daring look that left fans speechless.
Kim's week was already packed before the TIME gala. On Wednesday night, she presented an award at the 2026 ESPY Awards at the David H. Koch Theater, accompanied by her boyfriend, Los Angeles Rams star Myles Garrett. The couple made a stylish pair on the red carpet, with Kim drawing comparisons to Julianne Hough's recent beachside buzz for her effortless glamour.
With awards season winding down, Kim can now focus on cheering on Garrett and the Rams this fall. Given her busy schedule—and her knack for making every appearance memorable—fans will surely be watching to see what she wears next.
