South Korea Reclaims Olympic Short Track Relay Crown in Milan
MILAN, Italy – South Korea roared back to dominance in the women’s 3,000-meter short track relay Wednesday, securing gold at the Milano Figure Skating Arena with a time of 4:04.014. The victory marks the seventh Olympic title for South Korean women in the event since its debut in 1992, solidifying their position as a global powerhouse in speed skating.
The team, comprised of Kim Gilli, Choi Minjeong, Shim Sukhee, and Noh Dohee, edged out Italy by a mere fraction of a second (4:04.107) in a thrilling finish. Canada claimed the bronze medal with a time of 4:04.314.
The race wasn’t without drama. A crash involving the defending champions, the Netherlands, with 16 laps remaining, significantly altered the competition’s landscape. Canada initially seized the lead, maintaining it for much of the race, but a wobble by a Canadian skater on the 21st lap allowed Italy and South Korea to surge forward.
It was Kim Gilli who ultimately sealed the victory for South Korea, executing a decisive move with two laps to go, overtaking Italy’s Arianna Fontana. This gold medal adds to Kim’s growing Olympic collection, following her bronze in the women’s 1,000-meter short track event last week.
For Fontana, the silver medal represents her 14th Olympic medal across six Winter Games, a testament to her longevity and consistent performance in the sport. She previously secured gold in the mixed team relay and silver in the women’s 500-meter short track at these Games.
“Even though it’s my 14th, winning it like this today is really incredible,” Fontana told reporters after the race. “This was a team effort. Every single one of us. No one left out. We put pressure when it was time to put pressure, and we’re taking home a silver medal that I truly think is a dream come true for all of us.”
The South Korean victory underscores the nation’s sustained investment in short track speed skating, a sport deeply ingrained in its national sporting identity. The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) has consistently prioritized the development of young talent, resulting in a steady stream of world-class athletes.
Short track speed skating, known for its fast-paced action and strategic maneuvering, continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The International Skating Union (ISU) reports a global participation rate of over 2 million skaters, with increasing interest in the sport, particularly in East Asia and Europe. The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are expected to further boost the sport’s profile, attracting new fans and inspiring the next generation of skaters.
Image of Kim Gilli celebrating with her team – Richard Ellis/UPI
Image of Alysa Liu performing – Richard Ellis/UPI
