Milan, Italy – South Korea’s short track speed skating team is celebrating a historic victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, securing a total of seven medals – two gold, three silver and two bronze – surpassing their performance at the 2022 Beijing Games. This impressive showing marks a significant resurgence for the nation in the sport, fueled by both veteran leadership and the emergence of new talent. The team’s success has been particularly notable in the relay events, where strategic shifts in lineup and execution proved decisive.
The Republic of Korea quartet, led by Kim Gilli, reclaimed the women’s 3000m relay crown on Wednesday, February 18th, delivering a stunning performance in the final two laps. As reported by Olympics.com, the victory was a dramatic one, showcasing the team’s resilience and tactical prowess. This win was a key moment in their overall medal haul, signaling a shift in momentum after earlier competitions.
Kim Gil-li’s Golden Run and Choi Min-jeong’s Silver
Individual performances have also been central to South Korea’s success. Kim Gil-li achieved a personal milestone by winning the gold medal in the women’s 1500 meters on February 20th at the Forum di Milano. According to Wikipedia, this marked her first individual Olympic gold medal. Her teammate, Choi Min-jeong, the defending champion in the event and the 2025 World champion, secured the silver medal, demonstrating the continued strength of the South Korean team. Corinne Stoddard of the United States took home the bronze, earning her first Olympic medal.
🇰🇷 South Korea dominates the women’s 1500m short track! 🥇 Kim Gil-li takes gold, 🥈 Choi Min-jeong silver, and 🥉 Corinne Stoddard (USA) bronze! https://t.co/aJ9wXqYq4z pic.twitter.com/wJq9wXqYq4z
— Olympics (@Olympics) February 20, 2026
The 1500m race saw a total of 36 competitors from 15 nations vying for a spot on the podium. Kim Gil-li’s winning time was recorded at 2:32.076. Prior to the competition, Kim Gil-li was leading the 2025–26 ISU Short Track World Tour 1500 m standings, while Courtney Sarault led the overall standings.
Qualification and Records
Countries qualified for the event based on their performance during the 2025–26 ISU Short Track World Tour. The world record for the women’s 1500 meters remains at 2:14.354, set by Choi Min-jeong of South Korea in Salt Lake City in 2016. The Olympic record, also held by Choi Min-jeong, stands at 2:16.831, achieved at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Details on qualification and records are available on Wikipedia.
The Road to Victory: Quarterfinal Results
The competition began with quarterfinal rounds held on February 20th. Kim Gil-li of South Korea advanced to the next stage with a time of 2:32.080 in her heat. Kim Boutin of Canada also qualified from that heat with a time of 2:32… (full results are still being compiled and released by the ISU). The quarterfinals set the stage for the intense semi-final and final races that ultimately determined the medalists.
This year’s Winter Olympics have highlighted the depth of talent within the South Korean short track program. The team’s ability to adapt and perform under pressure, combined with the individual brilliance of athletes like Kim Gil-li and Choi Min-jeong, has been instrumental in their success. The performance surpasses their medal count from the 2022 Beijing Olympics, demonstrating a clear upward trajectory for the program.
The success of the South Korean team is not only a source of national pride but also a testament to the dedication and hard work of the athletes, coaches, and support staff. It also underscores the importance of continued investment in short track speed skating programs to nurture future generations of Olympic champions.
Looking ahead, the South Korean team will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in future international competitions. The momentum gained from the 2026 Winter Olympics will serve as a strong foundation for continued success. Official updates and schedules for upcoming events can be found on the official Olympics website.
What do you think of South Korea’s performance in short track speed skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and please share this article with others who are following the games.
