Kim Gilli Leads South Korea 1-2 Finish, Topples Choi in 2026 Winter Olympics 1500m
A remarkable finale unfolded at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, highlighting South Korea’s dominance in short track speed skating. In the women’s 1500m event, Kim Gilli claimed gold, marking a significant achievement for the Republic of Korea. Her victory came at the expense of defending champion Choi Minjeong, who secured silver.
Event Overview
The women’s 1500m final was the last of the short track events, held on February 20, 2026. The competition was intense, drawing a crowd eager to witness a thrilling showdown among world-class athletes.
Key Results
- Gold: Kim Gilli (South Korea)
- Silver: Choi Minjeong (South Korea)
- Bronze: Corinne Stoddard (USA)
- 5th Place: Arianna Fontana (Italy)
- Best Finish for Hong Kong: Lam Ching Yan (7th)
Dramatic Moments
The 1500m race began with tension after an early incident involving Poland’s Kamila Sellier, who suffered an injury. This led to penalties for her and Team USA’s Kristen Santos-Griswold. Chaos ensued, but the race continued after a brief delay. A total of 21 athletes competed, but only seven advanced to the finals.
Notable Competitors
The second semi-final included heavyweights like Xandra Velzeboer and Suzanne Schulting from the Netherlands. Both faced setbacks, sliding out of contention along with Canada’s Courtney Sarault. Yang Jingru emerged as a standout, alongside Lam Ching Yan, who achieved Hong Kong’s best Olympic result in history.
Final Showdown
In the gold medal race, Stoddard initially took the lead, but Choi surged with two laps remaining. Kim, demonstrating remarkable skill, executed a daring maneuver to overtake Choi. This win added to Kim’s collection of medals at the Games, including gold in the women’s 3000m relay and bronze in the 1000m event.
Conclusion
Choi’s silver medal was her seventh Olympic medal, reinforcing her status as a leading figure in women’s short track speed skating. Corinne Stoddard celebrated her first Olympic medal at her second Games, marking a significant breakthrough in her career.
This thrilling conclusion at Milano Cortina 2026 not only showcased South Korea’s exceptional talent but also highlighted the competitive spirit of athletes worldwide.
