The women's singles figure skating competition at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics kicks off Tuesday with two promising Korean skaters stepping onto the ice at Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan. Shin Ji-a and Lee Hae-in, who earned their spots through the national team trials in January, are set to deliver their short programs, marking pivotal moments in their Olympic journeys.
Seventeen-year-old Shin Ji-a, making her individual Olympic debut, already gained valuable experience during the team event short program on Feb. 6 at the same Milan venue. This season marks her transition to the senior level after a stellar junior career, highlighted by four consecutive silver medals at the world juniors from 2022 to 2025 and another silver at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics.
Shin's personal best overall score as a junior stands at 212.43, achieved at the 2024 world juniors. She set her season-best marks earlier this year at the Nebelhorn Trophy in September 2025, posting 74.47 in the short program, 133.98 in the free skate, and a total of 208.45.
Joining Shin is 20-year-old Lee Hae-in, who finished as runner-up to her compatriot in the January national team trials and is also making her Olympic debut. Lee brings a wealth of experience, having secured the silver medal at the 2023 world championships and the gold at the 2023 Four Continents Championships.
Lee's personal best total score is an impressive 225.47. For the current season, her top performances include 67.06 in the short program, 132.06 in the free skate, and a combined total of 196.84.
Both skaters' preparations have been meticulous, with Shin's recent Olympic exposure in the team event providing her an edge in adapting to the high-stakes atmosphere of Milano Ice Skating Arena. As the short program unfolds Tuesday, their performances will set the stage for the free skate and medal contention in the women's singles event.
