Ace Choi Min-jeong Leads Women’s 3000m Relay to Milan Olympics Final Victory
In a thrilling semifinal at the 2026 Milan-Cortina D’Ampezzo Winter Olympics, South Korea’s women’s short track team secured a spot in the final of the 3000m relay. The event took place at the Milan Ice Skating Arena on February 14, 2026. With a time of 4:04.729, the team demonstrated remarkable skill and cohesion.
Key Team Members
The South Korean relay team was composed of four accomplished athletes:
- Choi Min-jeong
- Kim Ki-li (Seongnam City Hall)
- Lee So-yeon (Sports Toto)
- Shim Suk-hee (Seoul City Hall)
Race Overview
In the semifinals, the South Korean team competed against strong contenders including Canada, China, and Japan. They initially held a second-place position but quickly moved to capitalize on opportunities as the race progressed.
Choi Min-jeong, noted for her impressive agility, took over from Shim Suk-hee with 10 laps remaining. This strategic exchange allowed South Korea to surge ahead. Despite a temporary setback when Lee So-yeon lost the lead to China, Choi Min-jeong regained control with just four laps left, demonstrating her outstanding performance under pressure.
Historical Context
This victory marks South Korea’s return to the Olympic final for the women’s 3000m relay, continuing a tradition of excellence. The team has previously won gold in this event at several Olympics:
- 1994 Lillehammer Games
- 1998 Nagano Games
- 2002 Salt Lake City Games
- 2006 Turin Games
- 2014 Sochi Games
- 2018 Pyeongchang Games
At the last Winter Olympics in Beijing 2022, they earned a silver medal, showcasing their competitive legacy in short track speed skating.
Upcoming Final
Looking ahead, South Korea will compete for the gold medal against the Netherlands, Italy, and Canada. This final is scheduled for February 19, 2026, at 4:59 a.m. local time, promising to be a thrilling conclusion to the competition.
As the race draws near, all eyes will be on Choi Min-jeong and her teammates as they aim to reclaim their title in the 3000m relay.
