The anticipation is electric at the Milan Ice Skating Arena as South Korea’s short track speed skating team gears up for the 2026 Winter Olympics, with the spotlight shining squarely on their ace, Choi Min-jung. The team’s campaign kicks off on February 10 with the mixed 2000-meter relay, a race that promises drama, speed, and perhaps a bit of redemption.
Choi Min-jung, often hailed as the ‘queen’ of short track, has been handed the all-important role of the first runner in the mixed relay. This isn’t just any relay—it’s a test of nerves and explosive power, with four skaters (two men and two women) each racing 500 meters. The first runner sets the tone, and in a sport where fractions of a second can change everything, that’s a heavy responsibility. But if anyone’s up for the challenge, it’s Choi.
Since January 31, Choi Min-jung has been hard at work in Milan, fine-tuning her start and adapting to the ice. “The ice feels a bit soft, but fortunately I arrived early and finished my adaptation training well,” she told reporters, her confidence unmistakable. She’s no stranger to the Olympic stage, having already collected three gold and two silver medals across two previous Games. Now, she’s eyeing history—two more medals would make her the most decorated Korean Olympian, edging past legends like Kim Soo-nyung, Jin Jong-oh, and Lee Seung-hoon, each with six medals.
The mixed relay is a relatively new addition to the Olympic program, debuting at the 2022 Beijing Games. That year, South Korea’s hopes were dashed by a fall in the quarterfinals, leaving the team hungry for redemption. The memory lingers, but it’s also fuel for this year’s bid. “Other teams probably expect me to be the starter,” Choi remarked with a wry smile. “That’s expected, but it’s not a problem. I’ll pour all my abilities into this and aim for a good result.”
Coach Yoon Jae-myung has made it clear why Choi was chosen for the pivotal opening position. Among the women on the squad, her start is explosive and her ability to claim the best racing line is second to none. “Choi Min-jung stands out for her strong start and line positioning,” Yoon explained, adding that her skills could make all the difference in the opening exchanges.
Choi’s determination is palpable. “I’ll start as fast as possible and won’t be pushed around in physical contests,” she declared. “To get an inside lane in the final, we need to record a high finish in the semifinals.” It’s this blend of tactical awareness and raw grit that has made her a leader, both on and off the ice. As team captain, she’s also responsible for rallying her teammates—Kim Gil-li, Hwang Dae-heon, and the youngest, Lim Jong-eon—through intense, focused training sessions.
On February 9, the team spent a full hour at the Milan Ice Skating Arena, sharpening their starts and perfecting their touch passes. The atmosphere was a mix of steely focus and camaraderie. Choi’s piercing gaze at the start line was matched only by her light-hearted moments with teammates, showing the balance between pressure and unity that defines elite teams.
South Korea’s history in short track is nothing short of legendary. Since the 1992 Albertville Olympics, the country has amassed 53 medals—26 gold, 17 silver, and 10 bronze—making short track the undisputed crown jewel of its Winter Olympic program. More than half of all Korean Winter Olympic medals have come from this sport, and the nation’s hopes are high for another bumper haul in Milan. This year, the team is aiming for four to six medals across nine events, with two or three golds as the target.
Choi’s Olympic journey has already set her apart. With three golds and two silvers, she’s tied with some of Korea’s greatest athletes but is poised to surpass them. “Olympic gold medals are gifts from heaven,” she mused. “I’ve prepared as best I can, and now I’ll wait for the heavens’ will.” Her humility is as notable as her hunger for victory. She’s quick to credit her teammates, saying, “You saw it in the snowboarding—at the Olympics, you never know. Medals are given by the heavens. I can’t do it alone. If our team’s will is strong, we can get good results even in tough situations.”
Redemption is a powerful motivator. The sting of missing out on a medal in Beijing’s mixed relay still lingers, but it’s also a lesson learned. “We failed to medal last time because of a fall,” Choi recalled. “This time, we’re ready.” The focus is clear: deliver a strong start, avoid costly mistakes, and trust in the team’s preparation.
The schedule is packed for Choi Min-jung. Not only will she lead the charge in the mixed relay quarterfinals at 8:00 PM, but she’ll also compete in the women’s 500m heats at 6:30 PM. It’s a demanding double, but if there’s anyone who thrives under pressure, it’s her. The team’s strategy is all about maximizing their strengths early—securing an inside lane for the final could be the difference between gold and heartbreak.
Choi’s leadership extends beyond the ice. As captain, she’s been instrumental in fostering a supportive, determined atmosphere. “If the will of the athletes is strong, we can achieve good results even in difficult situations,” she said, echoing a sentiment that resonates throughout the team. The camaraderie between Choi, Kim Gil-li, Hwang Dae-heon, and Lim Jong-eon is evident, their shared sweat and laughter a testament to their unity.
As the clock ticks down to the opening race, the South Korean short track team stands at the threshold of another potential golden chapter. The mixed relay kicks off at 7:59 PM on February 10 at the Milan Ice Skating Arena, and all eyes will be on Choi Min-jung as she takes her place at the start line. The stakes? History, redemption, and national pride—all hanging in the balance.
One thing’s for sure: with Choi Min-jung leading the way, South Korea’s quest for Olympic glory is off to a thrilling start. The action is about to unfold, and fans everywhere are holding their breath to see how this story will be written on the ice.