HARBIN, China, Feb. 8 -- South Korea kicked off its bid for dominance at the 2025 Asian Winter Games with a remarkable display of strength, capturing gold in the mixed relay race of short track speed skating. The team, composed of Choi Min-jeong, Kim Gil-li, Kim Tae-sung, and Park Ji-won, gained victory at the Heilongjiang Ice Events Training Center, marking the first medal for the South Korean delegation.
The mixed relay event was particularly significant as it made its Asian Winter Games debut. South Korea completed the 2,000-meter race with the winning time of 2:41.534, outpacing Kazakhstan, who came second, and Japan, securing bronze. The event's outcome was bittersweet for China, whose anchor, Lin Xiaojun, fell during the race, allowing Park to sprint triumphantly across the finish line.
This historic weekend marked the beginning of a medal rush for South Korea, which aimed to secure six out of nine gold medals available. The day was celebrated as “Super Golden Day,” with South Korean athletes grabbing four out of five gold medals and claiming nine medals overall on the opening day of the competitions.
Following the mixed relay triumph, Kim Gil-li and Park Ji-won each added to their accolades by clinching golds in their respective 1,500m races. Ji-won's success was accompanied by teammate Jang Sung-woo’s bronze, contributing to South Korea’s impressive tally.
Choi Min-jeong also etched her name in the history books by winning gold in the women's 500m, marking South Korea's first victory in this event at the Asian Winter Games and shattering China's seven-year winning streak. Choi expressed her relief and joy, saying, "I wanted to win gold in the 500m more than anything and I am happy with such a great result." This victory was particularly poignant for her after failing to qualify for the event finals during the previous Asian Games.
The atmosphere at the Heilongjiang Ice Events Training Center was electric, with fervent Chinese supporters bolstering their team's morale. Nevertheless, South Korea’s achievements stole the show. Park Ji-won shared his reflections on the mixed relay gold, stating, "It took a complete team effort," emphasizing the importance of collaboration among the teammates.
While Kim Gil-li expressed satisfaction with her 1,500m gold, she fell short of her ambitious goal of earning five medals throughout the competition, saying, "I'm happy to have won the 1,500m gold medal because it was the race I wanted to win the most." Kim aimed to add additional golds during the remaining events, showcasing her competitive spirit.
South Korea’s strategy involved outpacing opponents and taking advantage of rivals' mistakes. Park Ji-won displayed this tactical edge as he raced against Lin Xiaojun, relying on confidence and agility. Reflecting on his approach, Park noted, "Even if I feel like it's not worth trying, I don't think I'll ever lose when I enter the game. I will definitely play with the belief I can win."
Despite some disappointments — including Park’s near miss for his third gold of the day when he finished second to Lin Xiaojun during the men's 500m event — the overall excitement and achievement of the South Korean team cannot be overlooked. Achieving podium finishes across various events, including two silvers and multiple bronzes, solidified their standing as the premier short track nation.
With final events scheduled on Sunday, including the women's 3,000m relay, anticipation builds among fans and athletes alike. South Korea, arriving with high expectations, continues to fortify its reputation as the strongest short track country.
Overall, the commitment and determination exhibited by South Korean athletes have ignited hopes for more medals as they push forward through the competition. The successful debut of mixed relay and strong performances have set the stage for what promises to be another record-breaking event.