Chloe Kim, the renowned Olympic snowboarder, recently took to the stage on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” to clarify a viral image that falsely depicted her NFL boyfriend, Myles Garrett, proposing to her at the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. The image, which circulated widely during the Games, led to considerable confusion, even prompting congratulations from fellow Olympian Lindsey Vonn. During her interview, Kim reassured viewers that the photo was a product of manipulation, whether through Photoshop or artificial intelligence.
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The snowboarding champion, who has already secured multiple Olympic gold medals, recounted her surprising discovery of the image during the show. “Don’t fall for it, guys!” she urged the audience, as Kimmel displayed the image that had generated buzz on social media. Kim revealed that Vonn had texted her with excitement about her engagement, prompting Kim to investigate the rumour for herself. “I hope she doesn’t get mad at me for sharing this, but she texts me, ‘Oh my gosh, congrats.’ And I’m like, ‘Oh, thank you. But you already congratulated me for my medal,'” she explained.
When Vonn clarified her message was in reference to the supposed engagement, Kim was bewildered. “I’m like, ‘What?’ And so, I Google ‘Chloe Kim engagement’ and I see this,” she said. Fortunately for Kim, her mother was not deceived by the image. “She was like, ‘You would never wear something like that,'” Kim recalled, referring to the unusual outfit depicted in the photo.
Several elements of the image raised eyebrows for Kim, highlighting its lack of authenticity. The most glaring issue was her left hand, which already sported an engagement ring while Garrett was shown supposedly proposing. Moreover, Kim humourously pointed out, “Two, he’s wearing sunglasses. I don’t want my man to propose to me with sunglasses on.” These details only added to the absurdity of the viral post.
Kim and Garrett’s relationship began in May 2025 when they attended the Crunchyroll Anime Awards together in Japan. By November of that same year, the pair publicly confirmed their relationship status, and Kim stood by Garrett’s side during one of his NFL games. Since then, their bond has become a topic of interest among fans and the media alike.
The 2026 Winter Olympics, though not yielding the anticipated third gold medal for the athlete, marked a significant comeback for Kim after battling personal hurdles such as burnout and mental health challenges. She overcame these obstacles, including a serious shoulder injury prior to the Games, to ultimately secure a silver medal behind 17-year-old Choi Gaon of South Korea.
In an interview with PEOPLE, she expressed the importance of resilience, stating, “I learned to adapt and find the silver lining. I came out of this a lot stronger.” Kim appreciated the unwavering support of her family and Garrett throughout the competition, noting how they lightened the atmosphere during tense moments.
Following her performance, her loved ones celebrated her achievements with joy. Kim fondly recounted their post-competition dinner, where they shared stories, laughter, and a toast of champagne. “Seeing them as happy as I was made my heart melt,” she remarked, fondly remembering the support that had been crucial to her journey.
As one of the most celebrated female snowboarders in history, Kim first made her mark in the sport by claiming gold at the tender age of 17. Her fearless approach and impressive technical skills have established her as a dominant force in snowboarding, as she has garnered numerous titles at the World Championships and X Games.
While Kim’s journey through the Olympics did not culminate in the historic third gold she sought, her determination and resilience shone brightly through an emotional and challenging season. As she continues to navigate both her athletic career and personal life, Kim remains a prominent figure, inspiring many with her story of overcoming adversity and staying true to herself.
As the Olympic community buzzes with speculation about her romantic life, Kim remains centred on her passion for snowboarding and the support she receives from those closest to her. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, love, and the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive network.