MILAN — South Korea's women's short track speed skating team has secured a spot in the final of the 3,000-meter relay at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, triumphing in the second semifinal heat at Milano Ice Skating Arena on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
The quartet of Choi Min-jeong, Kim Gil-li, Lee So-yeon, and Shim Suk-hee outpaced Canada to claim victory in the 27-lap race, setting up a highly anticipated showdown in the final scheduled for Wednesday. They will face off against the top two finishers from the first semifinal heat: the Netherlands and Italy.
The race was a tense battle, with South Korea trailing Canada in second place as 10 laps remained. Choi Min-jeong executed a daring inside pass to seize the lead for her team, showcasing the precision and speed that has defined South Korea's dominance in the discipline.
With six laps to go, Lee So-yeon briefly relinquished the lead, but Shim Suk-hee held firm under pressure. Shim then propelled Choi back into the top position over the final stretch, allowing Kim Gil-li to anchor the team across the finish line in first place.
South Korea enters the final with an impressive historical record, having captured six gold medals and one silver in their previous eight appearances in 3,000-meter relay finals.
Post-race celebrations erupted among the team members at Milano Ice Skating Arena, as captured in images from Yonhap showing the skaters jubilant after their semifinal win.
"Honestly, I felt a little too nervous in my earlier races, and my body felt heavy. But I've been getting better and better," Choi Min-jeong said. "I think I am becoming more comfortable as time goes by. I am ready to put on a strong performance in the final."
