The South Korean women’s short track speed skating team has once again etched its name into Olympic history, seizing the gold medal in the fiercely contested 3000m relay at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. With a dazzling display of teamwork, grit, and split-second strategy, the quartet of Choi Min-jeong, Kim Gilli, Shim Seok-hee, and Noh Do-hee delivered a performance that had the Ice Skating Arena in Milan, Italy, pulsing with energy on the morning of February 19, 2026 (Korean time).
This victory was not just another medal—it was a triumphant end to South Korea's gold medal drought in short track at these Games, and a return to the top of the podium after an eight-year wait since the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. Finishing with a time of 4 minutes 4.014 seconds, the South Korean team narrowly outpaced Italy, who clocked in at 4 minutes 4.107 seconds, and Canada, who took bronze with a time of 4 minutes 4.314 seconds.
South Korea’s dominance in the women’s 3000m relay is legendary, and this latest win marks their seventh Olympic gold in the event since it was introduced at the 1992 Albertville Games. The achievement is also historic for Choi Min-jeong, who now ties the Korean record for most Olympic medals—six in total—matching the likes of Jin Jong-oh (shooting), Kim Soo-nyung (archery), and Lee Seung-hoon (speed skating). In addition, she equals the record for most Winter Olympic golds by a Korean athlete, sharing the honor with former short track star Jeon Yi-kyung.
The race itself was a rollercoaster of emotions. South Korea started off strong, immediately surging to the front of the pack. But the competition was relentless. With 25 laps to go, Canada managed to slip ahead, pushing South Korea into second place. Then, at the 20-lap mark, the Netherlands overtook the Koreans, knocking them back to third. The tension in the arena was palpable—could South Korea reclaim the lead?
Then came a dramatic twist. With just 16 laps remaining, a chaotic collision sent the Dutch team tumbling to the ice, abruptly ending their challenge and opening a crucial window for the Koreans. Sensing opportunity, South Korea maintained their composure, biding their time in third as Canada and Italy battled for the lead.
As the laps dwindled, the race was still anyone’s to win. With just four laps left, South Korea made their move, overtaking Canada in a burst of speed and determination. The crowd roared. But the job wasn’t done—Italy still held the front. Then, in a heart-stopping moment with only two laps to go, anchor Kim Gilli surged past the Italian skater, seizing the lead and holding firm through a frenetic final sprint to the finish line.
Kim Gilli’s performance was nothing short of electrifying. As she crossed the finish line, she erupted in celebration, waving the South Korean flag with pride. According to News1, "Kim Gilli celebrated the victory by waving the South Korean flag after crossing the finish line first." Her outpouring of emotion was echoed by her teammates, who embraced and cheered, basking in the glory of a hard-fought win.
For South Korea, this gold medal was more than just a return to form. It broke a frustrating streak at these Milan-Cortina Games, where the short track team had previously secured one silver and two bronze medals but had yet to reach the top step of the podium. The victory also contributed to South Korea’s overall medal haul, which, by this point in the Games, stood at seven—including medals in short track and snowboarding.
The significance of this win extends beyond the rink. Choi Min-jeong’s sixth career Olympic medal cements her status as one of Korea’s all-time greats, not just in short track, but in the annals of Olympic history. According to Yonhap News, "Choi Min-jeong earned her sixth Olympic medal, tying the Korean record for most medals in both Summer and Winter Olympics." She also now shares the record for most Winter Olympic golds by a Korean with Jeon Yi-kyung, a testament to her enduring excellence and leadership.
Meanwhile, Kim Gilli’s heroic anchor leg adds to her growing reputation as a clutch performer. Her ability to maintain composure under immense pressure and deliver when it mattered most was a key factor in the team’s victory. The synergy among the four skaters—Choi Min-jeong, Kim Gilli, Shim Seok-hee, and Noh Do-hee—was evident throughout the race. Their seamless exchanges, tactical awareness, and mutual trust were the foundation of this golden run.
The relay’s drama was heightened by the misfortunes and efforts of their rivals. The Dutch team’s fall was a cruel blow, instantly transforming the medal equation. Italy, buoyed by home support, pushed the Koreans to the wire, while Canada’s consistency earned them the bronze. But ultimately, it was South Korea’s resilience and tactical brilliance that won the day.
This gold was South Korea’s second of the 2026 Winter Olympics, following Choi Ga-on’s victory in the women’s snowboard halfpipe. It underscored the nation’s continued prowess in winter sports and provided a much-needed boost of national pride. The win also served as redemption for the short track squad, who had faced high expectations and intense scrutiny after a slow start to the Games.
Looking back, the 3000m relay has always been a showcase for Korean excellence. From their first triumph in 1994 to their latest in Milan, South Korea’s women have set the standard for teamwork and tenacity. This year’s victory, achieved after an eight-year wait, will be remembered not just for the medal, but for the way it was won—through adversity, strategy, and a thrilling late surge that left fans breathless.
As the celebrations continue and the medals hang heavy around their necks, the South Korean women’s short track team can savor the sweet taste of gold once more. With the Olympics still underway and more races to come, the spotlight will remain on these remarkable athletes. But for now, their golden relay run stands as one of the defining moments of the Milan-Cortina Games—a testament to national pride, athletic excellence, and the enduring magic of Olympic sport.