"Goodbye, Choi Min-jeong" An end to 12 years of racing on the ice [Milan 2026]

A new milestone has been set that will be remembered forever in the Olympic history of the Republic of Korea (South Korea). Short track speed skating queen Choi Min-jeong (Seongnam City Hall) has brought her brilliant run on the ice to a graceful close at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.
On the 21st, Choi Min-jeong took silver in the women's 1500m short track speed skating final with a time of 2:32.450, finishing behind Kim Gil-li (Seongnam City Hall). Having already led South Korea to gold in the 3000m relay, she collected her seventh career Olympic medal (four gold, three silver), becoming the most decorated Olympian in the nation's Winter and Summer Olympic Games combined. She moved past the previous record of six medals held by Jin Jong-oh (shooting), Kim Soo-nyung (archery) and Lee Seung-hoon (speed skating) to stand alone at the top. She also tied Chun Lee-kyung for the most Winter Olympic Games gold medals by a Korean athlete, with four. The 1500m final, in particular, turned into a poignant stage for a generational handover rather than a simple race. She narrowly missed an unprecedented third straight Olympic title in an individual event, but the sight of the veteran warmly embracing her tearful junior stirred deep emotion.
Choi Min-jeong said, "I am truly happy that first place went to a Korean skater, and that it was Gil-li in particular." She added with a smile, "Just as I once watched Chun Lee-kyung and nurtured my own dreams, Gil-li has grown into a wonderful athlete. Thanks to her, I feel I can finally rest with a lighter heart."
The 12-year journey of staying at the very top of the world was anything but easy. She faced relentless challenges from numerous international rivals and suffered deep wounds from unexpected controversies. Yet through every storm, Choi Min-jeong never wavered and continued to hone her skills. After finishing her final race and stepping onto the podium, she could no longer hold back her tears. "I feel relieved because I raced without regrets, but when I think that this really is the end, I can't help but cry," she said in bidding farewell to the ice she loved. She went on, "I did everything I could, so I have no lingering regrets. This was the happiest Olympics of my career." True to that calm confession, Choi Min-jeong leaves behind an indelible legacy in Korean sports history, exiting the stage with honor and beauty.