Photos from Team USA. 

Born in Long Beach and raised in Torrance, 17-year-old, first-generation Korean American Chloe Kim is the first woman in Olympic history to land two triple rotations—consecutive 1080s—in the halfpipe, according to the Los Angeles Times.

After her winning run in Pyeongchang, South Korea on Tuesday, the gold medalist shed “tears of joy”, reported Team USA.

“This is the best outcome I could ever ask for,” Kim said in a statement. “It’s such a long journey. Going home with the gold is amazing.”

The first-time Olympian noted the “crazy coincidence” that her first games took place in the country her parents are from. Living in Torrance, Kim said she grew up in a Korean environment.

“My parents taught me Korean songs that I don’t know anymore,” she stated. “I went to school in America. I feel like I grew up with both cultures, so that’s a really cool experience. I’m more open-minded toward other people and very accepting.”

Fans of the Long Beach native tweeted congratulatory comments to the newly adorned Olympic gold medalist, including local beach volleyball star and Olympic gold medalist Misty May-Treanor. It looks like May-Treanor’s clan has added another incredible athlete to their list of who to admire as they grow up.

Kim’s father, Jong Jin Kim, who quit his job to support his daughter’s athletic endeavors, also has a connection to Long Beach as an alumnus of Cal State Long Beach. Kim stated, “My dad has definitely sacrificed a lot for me. I don’t know if I could do that if I was in his shoes, quit work and travel with our kid full time, leave your life behind.”

Long Beach College Promise also tweeted to Kim as their #TuesdayMotivation and an inspiration to local students pursuing their own dreams.

https://twitter.com/TheLBPromise/status/963481831378100224

Kim joins a growing list of over 15 Olympic medalists of Long Beach, which includes gymnast McKayla Maroney, water polo player Tony Azevedo, beach volleyball player Misty May-Treanor, hurdler Lashinda Demus and more.

Learn more about Kim via her Team USA profile here.

Asia Morris is a Long Beach native covering arts and culture for the Long Beach Post. You can reach her @hugelandmass on Twitter and Instagram and at [email protected].