Under the bright lights of the Milan Speed Skating Stadium, the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics delivered another chapter in the ever-evolving story of women’s speed skating. For the Korean national team, all eyes were on the dynamic duo of Park Ji-woo and the much-talked-about newcomer, Lim Ri-won, as they took to the ice in the women’s 1500m final on February 20, 2026 (local time).
Lim Ri-won, just 19 years old and already earning the affectionate moniker of the team’s “smart youngest,” made her Olympic debut in style. The anticipation was palpable as she lined up alongside 28 of the world’s finest, each competitor brimming with nerves and determination. Lim finished her debut race with a time of 1 minute 59.73 seconds, securing 28th place. While it may not have been a podium finish, it marked a significant milestone for the rising star, who has already captured the hearts of her teammates and fans alike with her unique charm and dedication.
Park Ji-woo, the seasoned veteran and “big sister” of the Korean squad, was also in the spotlight. This event marked her third Winter Olympics appearance, but notably, her first time competing in the 1500m at the Olympic level. Park clocked in at 1 minute 58.26 seconds, landing her in 21st place out of 29 competitors. For Park, this race was more than just a test of speed; it was a crucial warm-up as she set her sights on her primary event, the women’s mass start, scheduled for later that evening.
The competition at the top was nothing short of fierce. Antoinette de Jong of the Netherlands delivered a masterclass in speed skating, clinching the gold medal with a blistering time of 1 minute 54.09 seconds. De Jong, who previously claimed bronze in this event at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, demonstrated why she remains a force to be reckoned with on the ice. Norway’s Ragne Wiklund was hot on her heels, taking silver with a time of 1:54.15. Canada’s Valérie Maltais, a familiar name in both short track and long track circles, rounded out the podium with a bronze-winning performance of 1:54.40. Maltais, who first made Olympic headlines by winning a silver medal in the 3000m relay at the 2014 Sochi Games, continues to impress with her versatility and consistency.
Femke Kok, another Dutch sensation and widely regarded as one of the world’s top sprinters, finished a close fifth with a time of 1:54.79. Kok entered the event aiming for her third medal of these Games, having already secured gold in the 500m and silver in the 1000m. Her result in the 1500m, while just shy of the podium, further solidified her reputation as a dominant force in women’s speed skating.
But beyond the stopwatch and the standings, there’s another story unfolding within the Korean camp—one that speaks to camaraderie, creativity, and the pursuit of balance in the high-pressure world of Olympic sport. Lim Ri-won, in addition to her athletic prowess, has become something of a team favorite for her thoughtfulness and ingenuity off the ice. She’s been busy knitting personalized cases for her teammates’ Olympic village entry cards—a skill she picked up from her grandmother. Lim shared, “I learned knitting from my grandmother. When I hung the knitted cases on the dorm door, the older girls said they were cute, so I made them as gifts.”
This tradition of knitting isn’t unique to Lim. Park Ji-woo herself is known to craft earmuffs, scarves, and card wallets, while other Korean Olympians, like figure skater Shin Ji-a and freestyle skier Lee Yoon-seung, have also embraced the soothing art of knitting. Across the Olympic village, it’s more than just a pastime—it’s a proven method for easing nerves and sharpening focus. The phenomenon isn’t limited to Korea, either. British diver Tom Daley famously knitted his own medal pouches during the Tokyo 2021 Summer Olympics and even published a book on the subject. In 2024, Daley was spotted knitting in the stands during the synchronized 3m springboard final at the Paris Games, underscoring how this simple craft has become a global ritual for athletes seeking calm amid the storm of competition.
For Lim, knitting is more than a hobby; it’s a vital part of her mental preparation. “Knitting helps calm my mind. Ahead of my first Olympic stage, I’m finding peace through knitting,” she said, echoing the sentiments of countless athletes who’ve turned to creative routines to manage the unique pressures of competition. American alpine skier Breezy Johnson, who began knitting during a two-year injury layoff, remarked, “If I think about skiing too much, it’s not good. When I knit, I hardly think about skiing at all.”
The psychological benefits of such rituals are well-documented. At the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, Finnish athletes even engaged in group knitting sessions on the advice of sports psychologists. The idea is simple: by focusing on repetitive, creative motions, athletes can channel their anxiety into something productive, freeing their minds to perform at their peak when it matters most.
Looking ahead, both Park Ji-woo and Lim Ri-won are set to compete in the women’s mass start event later in the evening on February 21, 2026. For Park, it’s another shot at the Olympic podium—a goal that has eluded her in previous Games despite her impressive resume. For Lim, it’s a chance to build on the experience of her debut and perhaps surprise the field with her tenacity and poise.
As the action continues in Milan, the Korean women’s speed skating team is drawing attention not just for their athletic feats but also for the unique spirit and unity they bring to the Olympic stage. Their blend of experience and youthful energy, coupled with creative traditions like knitting, is setting them apart in an arena where mental resilience can be just as crucial as physical speed.
With the women’s mass start event still to come, the spotlight remains firmly on Park Ji-woo and Lim Ri-won. Whether they find themselves atop the podium or not, their journey in Milan is already proving to be a memorable one—filled with personal bests, heartfelt gestures, and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing they’re skating not just for medals, but for each other. The race for Olympic glory continues, and the world is watching with bated breath.