Lee Seung-hoon, the legendary South Korean speed skater, showcased his enduring talent once again by clinching gold at the ISU World Cup held recently. Competing at the Tomaszów Mazowiecki venue in Poland, Lee secured victory during the men's mass start event, clocking an impressive time of 7 minutes and 48.05 seconds. This win marks not only his first medal of the current World Cup season but also his first gold medal at the World Cup level since December 2017, reinforcing his status as one of Korea's foremost athletes.
The recent success followed closely after the 2025 Harbin Winter Asian Games, where Lee contributed to his team's silver medal achievement in men's team pursuit. This not only added to his storied career but also helped set a new record for the most medals won by South Korean athletes at the Asian Winter Games, totaling nine.
During the World Cup race, Lee started conservatively, maintaining his position at the back of the pack and conserving energy until the right moment to make his move. With four laps remaining, he began to push forward, flawlessly maneuvering to secure third place before storming to the front during the final lap. His decisive push saw him outpace rivals Shomu Sasaki from Japan and Ripio Benguer from Switzerland, asserting himself as the leader just before the finish line.
This latest victory adds to Lee's impressive resume, which includes participation in four Winter Olympic Games from Vancouver 2010 to Beijing 2022, where he earned two golds, three silvers, and one bronze medal. His remarkable achievements render him not just an athlete but also an emblem of resilience and determination within the South Korean sports community.
At 36, Lee's continued competitiveness is particularly notable, especially as he races against younger skaters. His strategic approach, combining patience with tactical aggression, has allowed him to remain at the forefront of the sport, proving his prowess even as he transitions from his physical prime.
Overall, Lee Seung-hoon's victories at both the ISU World Cup and the Harbin Asian Games serve as testaments to his legacy, inspiring future generations of athletes. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver stellar results exemplifies the spirit of perseverance needed to excel at the highest levels of sport.
Meanwhile, the broader speed skating event saw notable performances from others as well. Anyang University’s Ina Hyun, following her two-gold performance at the Harbin Games, finished fourth in the women’s 500m race, just 0.09 seconds behind the bronze medalist. Meanwhile, sprinter Kim Jun-ho finished sixth among his competitors, showcasing promising talent among South Korean speed skaters carefully making their mark on the international stage.
Lee's triumphant moment at the World Cup not only adds to his medal tally but also demonstrates the growing prominence of speed skating as a sport within South Korea, with future competitions likely to attract even more talent and attention.