"Is This Even Human Speed?" Kim Gil-li's Stunning New Meet Record... All but Booking Olympic Gold

[The Financial News] Kim Gil-li of Seongnam City Hall, the "new heart" of Korean women's short track speed skating, has made a statement with the 2026 Winter Olympics (Milano Cortina 2026) just around the corner. It was not just a simple victory. With overwhelming skill, she shattered the meet record and sent a chilling warning to her rivals around the world.
On the 17th at Chuncheon Songam Sports Town ice rink in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, Kim Gil-li crossed the finish line first in the women's senior 1000m final at The 107th National Winter Sports Festival short track competition, clocking a remarkable time of 1:31.312. This set a new meet record, far surpassing the previous mark.
The race itself was like a drama proving exactly why Kim Gil-li is ranked No. 1 in the world. Unlike the usual strategy of conserving energy and waiting for an opening from behind, Kim boldly surged to the front from the very start. With explosive speed and seemingly endless stamina, as if to say, "Catch me if you can," she controlled the race from the front and did not allow a single overtake, finishing it on her own terms. This was not just a win; it was a show of force.

With this, Kim Gil-li added the 1000m and 3000m relay titles to the mixed 2000m relay gold she won the previous day, becoming a triple gold medalist at the meet. This "insane form" she is showing less than 20 days before the Olympics is more than enough to set fans' hearts racing.
Even more encouraging is her synergy with the "returning ace" Choi Min-jeong of Seongnam City Hall. Choi also claimed three titles at this event (500m, mixed relay, and 3000m relay), proving she remains in top form.
Right now, Korean short track boasts perhaps the strongest one-two punch in its history: the "next-generation empress" Kim Gil-li, who is in her prime, and the "living legend" Choi Min-jeong, armed with experience and composure. The domestic stage of the National Winter Sports Festival seemed almost too small for them as they displayed overwhelming dominance, and fans can already vividly picture the golden runs the two will produce together on the ice in Milan.

This National Winter Sports Festival served as the final mock exam before the Olympics. The result was better than a perfect score. Kim Gil-li broke through her own limits to set a new record, and the national team’s cohesion showed no weaknesses.
Now the Korean skaters will head to Milan, Italy, the "battleground" where the Games open on February 6. The world will be out to contain Korean short track, but the edge of Kim Gil-li’s blades is sharper than ever. No one doubts that the explosive energy she displayed at the National Winter Sports Festival will translate into the sound of the national anthem echoing through the Olympic arena.
All the public needs to do now is order some fried chicken and gather in front of their screens. The winter of 2026 in Korea is set to be hotter and more exhilarating than ever.
jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter