Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett says he’s gearing up for a whirlwind trip to Italy to support girlfriend Chloe Kim as she competes in the women’s snowboard halfpipe at the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics, with qualifiers set to begin on February 11.
Garrett spoke with PEOPLE’s Janine Rubenstein at Media Row in San Francisco during Super Bowl 2026 week and shared that he plans to briefly return home before heading overseas. “I finish up here Sunday, get back for about 12 hours, and then I hit the road and go to see her,” he said on February 6.
Kim is chasing history in Milan as she attempts to win her third consecutive Olympic gold medal in the event, having previously topped the podium at the 2018 PyeongChang Games and the 2022 Beijing Olympics. A victory would make her the first athlete ever to complete a three-peat in women’s snowboard halfpipe at the Olympic Games.
Despite the demands of competing at the highest level in their respective sports, Garrett said the couple prioritizes constant communication and mutual support. “We’re both just so supportive of one another,” he said.
He added, “She’s always texting, she’s always calling to see how I’m doing during the year, and I’m doing the same right now, checking on her, seeing how she’s feeling, emotionally and physically.”
Garrett added that his role now is to be a steady presence for Kim as she prepares for the biggest stage in winter sports, saying he is “just trying to be her rock because throughout the year she’s mine.”
Related: Mariah Carey’s 300-Carat Sparkle Steals The Show At 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony
The pair, who were first publicly linked in May 2025 before confirming their relationship in November 2025, also share a fiercely competitive dynamic that extends beyond their respective sports.
“It’s so competitive,” Garrett said. “When we get into our sports, even when we play games against each other.”
Garrett, who was honored with the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award at the 2026 NFL Honors on February 4, added that the competitive edge carries over into their relationship as well—though not without a playful twist. He noted that when it comes to romance, “I’m more romantic than her.”
Chloe Kim Steals The Spotlight In Team USA Gear Ahead Of Olympic Halfpipe
As the Milano Cortina Winter Games draw closer, Chloe Kim continues to generate buzz not only for her medal ambitions but also for her presence in Team USA apparel while preparing for the women’s snowboard halfpipe. Qualification for the event is scheduled for February 11, with the final set for February 12.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist has previously revealed that she suffered a torn labrum in her shoulder, an injury that at one point threatened her participation in the Games. Despite the setback, Kim has continued to train as she ramps up for competition.
In an Instagram video shared on February 7 while heading to practice with her coach, Kim appeared in a blue jacket and scarf and playfully commented on her look, saying, “Wait, the fit is so cute. So patriotic! ’Murica!”
The post was captioned, “Got to take a couple laps through the halfpipe today! It’s pretty damn good! Practice starts tomorrow, let’s get it!! ❤️❤️❤️”.
In Case You Missed: President Donald Trump To Stream Kid Rock’s Rival Halftime Show Over NFL’s Official Act
Kim signaled she is ready for competition as the Games get underway, putting herself in position to chase another Olympic title and potentially extend her historic run in the women’s snowboard halfpipe.
