Kim Tops Olympic Qualifying as NFL Star Garrett Films Her Run

Myles Garrett broke the NFL sacks record in January; his girlfriend Chloe Kim can make snowboarding history in February.

The Cleveland Browns defensive end traveled to Livigno, Italy, to support Kim as she chases her third consecutive Olympic halfpipe gold medal. Garrett filmed her qualifying run Wednesday—she scored 90.25 to earn first place heading into Thursday’s final.

“I got her whole run,” Garrett said. “She’s amazing.”​

The Power Couple’s Month

• January 4, 2026: Garrett breaks NFL sacks record (23)
• February 5, 2026: Garrett wins unanimous DPOY (50 votes)
• February 11, 2026: Kim qualifies 1st for Olympic final (90.25)​
• February 12, 2026: Kim’s shot at 3rd straight gold
• Garrett’s season: 23 sacks, 33 TFL, 84 pressures, 39 QB hits​
• Old sacks record: 22.5 (Strahan 2001, Watt 2021)
• Kim’s Olympic golds: 2 (PyeongChang 2018, Beijing 2022)​
• Historic opportunity: First 3-peat in snowboard halfpipe ever

Who’s Better at Their Sport?

After Kim qualified first, the couple joked about sports supremacy in the friends and family area.​

“Me,” Kim said.​

“You’re better than me?” Garrett responded.​

Garrett, 29, just broke one of the NFL’s most prestigious records. His 23 sacks surpassed Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan (22.5 in 2001) and Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt (22.5 in 2021).

Last week, Garrett won his second Defensive Player of the Year award in a unanimous vote—all 50 first-place votes. He previously won DPOY in 2023.

“I’m funnier than you,” Kim said.​

“I’ll give her that,” Garrett admitted. “She’s funnier.”​

“But who’s better-better?” Chloe asked.​

“I’ll let everyone else decide that,” he said.​

Kim Overcame Injury Doubts

The 25-year-old’s participation in Milano Cortina 2026 was uncertain after dislocating her shoulder in January. She showed zero limitations Wednesday.​

“I feel good. Happy to be here,” Kim told Olympics.com. “There is definitely a lot of pressure, but I believe the Olympics are incredibly special due to the immense global support we receive.”​

Kim opened with a backside 720, then threw the first 1080 of qualifying. Her 90.25 score beat Japan’s Shimizu Sara (87.50), U.S. teammate Maddie Mastro (86.00), Japan’s Judo Rise (84.75), and South Korea’s Choi Gaon (82.25).​

During her second run, Kim showcased a frontside 900 tail grab but treated it as practice, recording a DNI (Did Not Improve).​

Garrett’s Record-Breaking Moment

The historic sack came with 5:17 remaining in the season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals. Garrett lined up at defensive tackle, blitzed as an off-ball linebacker, then used a 0.23-second get-off—his fastest of the season—to swim past Orlando Brown Jr. and take down Joe Burrow.​

It marked the 12th time Garrett has sacked Burrow, more than any other quarterback. Garrett had recorded at least half a sack in nine straight games before the streak ended in Week 17.​

His monster season included a five-sack performance against the Patriots in Week 9—a career high and Browns record—plus a four-sack game against the Ravens in Week 11.​

Garrett also passed Hall of Famer Reggie White (108) for most sacks by a player under 30. He’s tied with Hall of Famer Dwight Freeney for 20th on the all-time sacks list.​

The History Kim Can Make

Shaun White attended Wednesday’s qualifying at Livigno Snow Park. The legendary snowboarder won three Olympic golds—Turin 2006, Vancouver 2010, PyeongChang 2018—but never three consecutive titles.​

Kim can become the first snowboarder to win three straight Olympic halfpipe golds. “She’s going to do it,” Garrett said. “She’s the best.”

The final takes place February 12 at 19:30 CET / 1:30 PM ET.

Why This Month Matters

Garrett signed a four-year, $160 million extension before the season—then a record for a non-quarterback. He delivered with 23 sacks, 33 tackles for loss, 84 pressures, 39 QB hits, and 3 forced fumbles.

Despite the Browns finishing 5-12, Garrett became just the second player in NFL history to win Defensive Player of the Year unanimously. The offense ranked 31st in scoring, wasting the defense’s dominance.​

Now Garrett’s watching his girlfriend chase her own piece of history. Thursday night at Livigno Snow Park, Kim can join the rarest of elite: athletes who win the same Olympic event three consecutive times.