MILAN, Italy – South Korean short track skater Kim Gilli, 22, captured a bronze medal in the women’s 1000m final at the 2026 Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics on Monday, February 16th. The emotional victory, marked by tears on the podium, represents a significant milestone for the rising star and a sixth medal for the Korean team at these Games. Kim finished with a time of 1 minute 28.614 seconds, behind gold medalist Sandra Velzeboer of the Netherlands (1:28.437) and silver medalist Courtney Sarault of Canada (1:28.523).
The medal holds particular significance for Kim, who faced adversity leading up to the final. She was involved in a collision during the mixed team relay semi-final, raising concerns about a potential injury. She narrowly avoided disqualification in the 1000m semi-final after a collision with Hanne Desmet of Belgium, ultimately advancing due to a video review that confirmed Desmet’s foul. This resilience underscored her determination to compete at her best in the final.
Overcoming Challenges on the Ice
Kim’s race strategy involved starting from the back of the pack, a tactic employed due to the numerous falls witnessed in earlier heats. She made a bold move with three laps remaining, surging forward to briefly take the lead. While ultimately overtaken by Velzeboer in a tight battle for position, Kim secured a well-deserved bronze. “I wanted to race without regrets, and I’m so relieved,” Kim said after the race, as reported by The Hankyoreh. “There was a lot of bumping until the final, so my goal was to just avoid falling and finish the race.”
The close finish saw Kim momentarily take the lead before a challenging exchange with Velzeboer. Reflecting on the moment, Kim acknowledged the Dutch skater’s strong form. “When I got into first place, I was really happy for a moment. But Velzeboer was in very good condition,” she explained. “I saw her on the inside, so I tried to quickly secure my position to avoid a fall.”
Sixth Medal for South Korea
Kim Gilli’s bronze medal is the sixth for the South Korean team at the 2026 Winter Olympics, consisting of one gold, two silver, and three bronze medals, according to Olympics.com. The victory was particularly meaningful given the support she received from fans back home during the Lunar New Year holiday. “So many people were cheering me on, even during the New Year’s holiday, which gave me a lot of strength,” she shared.
Looking Ahead: 1500m and 3000m Relay
Buoyed by her success in the 1000m, Kim Gilli is now focused on her remaining events: the women’s 1500m on February 21st and the 3000m relay on February 19th. “After finishing the 1000m, I feel more confident,” she stated. “I consider I can race with even more confidence in the 3000m relay. I wish to do well in the 1500m too. I’m just going to work really hard.”
Kim’s performance signals a promising future for the young skater and adds another chapter to South Korea’s rich history in short track speed skating. Her dedication and resilience, demonstrated both on and off the ice, position her as a strong contender for further success at these Olympic Games and beyond. The next few days will be crucial as she prepares for her remaining events, aiming to build on the momentum of her bronze medal victory.
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