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MILAN, Italy — The South Korean women’s short track speed skating team, fueled by a renewed sense of unity, has successfully advanced to the final of the women’s 3,000m relay at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics.
In a performance that combined tactical brilliance with emotional resonance, the Korean squad finished first in Group 2 of the semifinals held Sunday at the Milano Ice Skating Arena. The team, comprising veterans Shim Suk-hee (Seoul City Hall) and Choi Min-jeong (Seongnam City Hall) alongside rising stars Kim Gil-li (Seongnam City Hall) and Lee So-yeon (Sports Toto), clocked a time of 4:04.729, edging out Canada (4:04.856).
A Bridge Over Troubled Waters
The highlight of the race was the seamless "push" between Shim Suk-hee and Choi Min-jeong. For fans and analysts alike, seeing the two icons collaborate so effectively was a poignant reminder of their dominant past—and a stark contrast to the friction that once divided them.
The rift dates back eight years to the 2018 PyeongChang Games, where a collision in the women’s 1,000m final sparked a "deliberate crash" controversy. While a 2021 investigation by the Korea Skating Union (KSU) found no definitive proof of intent, the fallout—including leaked text messages—resulted in a two-month suspension for Shim, causing her to miss the 2022 Beijing Games.
However, the 2025-2026 season marked a turning point. After reuniting through national trials, Choi Min-jeong, serving as the national team captain, reportedly reached out to Shim to bury the hatchet for the sake of the team. This reconciliation has translated into tangible results on the ice, with the duo consistently practicing the crucial "No. 4 to No. 1" exchange during the World Tour season.
Race Highlights: Tactical Precision
The semifinal was a masterclass in strategy. Competing against powerhouses Canada, China, and Japan, Korea maintained a steady second place for the first half of the race.
The Surge: With 10 laps remaining, Choi Min-jeong executed a sharp inside pass to take the lead.
The Critical Exchange: After briefly slipping to second with 6 laps left, the momentum shifted back during the final exchange.
The Push: With 4 laps to go, Shim Suk-hee (skating the 4th leg) gave a powerful, well-timed push to Choi (the 1st leg). The added velocity allowed Choi to reclaim the inside track and the lead with 3 laps remaining.
The Finish: Closer Kim Gil-li maintained the gap, crossing the finish line first to secure Korea’s spot in the final.
One Goal: The Podium
After the race, the atmosphere among the athletes was one of quiet confidence. "I was able to achieve this result because I trusted my teammates," said Choi Min-jeong. "In the final, we will continue to believe in each other and show everything we’ve prepared for."
Shim Suk-hee echoed the sentiment, stating, "Our mutual trust led to this good result. We want to show a united front once again in the final."
South Korea, which took silver in this event four years ago in Beijing, is now chasing its first Olympic relay gold since 2018. The eyes of the nation will be on the Milano Ice Skating Arena on the morning of February 19, when the "Golden Duo" and their teammates skate for history.
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