Chloe Kim, the celebrated Olympic snowboarder, has recently captured the attention of social media users with a humorous plea concerning photo edits. Posting a video on TikTok, the 26-year-old athlete cheekily asked her followers to ensure that if they were going to airbrush their own appearances in photos taken with her, they should extend the same courtesy to her as well.
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The light-hearted video was shared on July 21, shortly after Kim made a glamorous appearance at the 2026 ESPYS, where she featured alongside her boyfriend, NFL star Myles Garrett. In the TikTok clip, Kim conveyed her request in a playful tone, stating, “If you are going to stop me for a photo and you’re going to post it, FaceTune me too. Okay?” She jested that it was outright “rude” for individuals to enhance their own looks while leaving her in her natural state, leading to a plethora of reactions from fellow athletes and fans alike.
Kim, who appeared in the TikTok video wearing a casual grey zip-up sweatshirt and with minimal makeup, received an outpouring of supportive comments. Among those responding was Suni Lee, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics, who found the request relatable. Lee expressed her agreement with laughter, stating, “pls this is so real😂😂😂.” Similarly, tennis champion Coco Gauff, fresh from her Wimbledon campaign, echoed the sentiment with a concise “so real.”
The humorous TikTok post from Kim follows her appearance at the ESPYS, where she presented the award for Best Record-Breaking Performance to Garrett, a recently traded player who excelled during his time with the Cleveland Browns. During the ceremony, Garrett made history by securing the award after an impressive season that saw him break an NFL record for the most sacks in a single season, achieving an extraordinary 23.
Accepting the award, Garrett humorously acknowledged the secret behind his success, thanking Kim for her unwavering support throughout the season. He went on to express gratitude to his family, including his parents and siblings, highlighting the importance of their encouragement during his athletic journey. “I know we all try to enter our zone as athletes, and sometimes, the people who mean the most to us take a bit of a backseat for our journeys,” he noted, acknowledging the sacrifices made by his loved ones.
Garrett’s speech not only celebrated his achievement but also emphasised the significance of familial bonds in the high-pressure world of sports. He expressed heartfelt appreciation for his brother, a former NBA player, and his sister, who has made her mark in athletics as a record-holding weight thrower. In a sweet moment on stage, he referenced Kim, complimenting her impressive record of five ESPY awards as he reflected on the honor of sharing the moment with her.
The couple shared a delightful interaction on the red carpet, where Kim donned a stylish red gown, and Garrett playfully planted a kiss on her cheek while photographers captured the moment. Their supportive dynamic was evident throughout the ESPYS evening as they celebrated each other’s achievements in their respective sports.
Kim’s TikTok plea has resonated with many, shedding light on the pressures faced by individuals in the public eye regarding appearance. It raises pertinent discussions about the culture of photo editing and the impact it has on self-image, particularly among young athletes. By sharing her candid request, Kim aims not just to advocate for herself but also to foster a sense of realism and authenticity amongst social media users.
As discussions surrounding body image and social media filters continue to evolve, Kim’s humorous take on the topic promotes a healthy perspective on beauty standards in the digital age. Athletes like Kim, Lee, and Gauff, who openly address such issues, help to pave the way for future generations by encouraging acceptance of one’s natural self amidst the pressures to conform to often unrealistic ideals.
Overall, Kim’s TikTok video not only entertains but also inspires a conversation that extends beyond the sports realm, encouraging everyone to embrace authenticity and support each other in a world where appearances often take precedence over genuine connections.