Milan: The most accomplished member of the South Korean short track speed skating team announced her role as the leadoff skater in the upcoming mixed team relay race at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Choi Min-jeong, a three-time gold medalist competing in her third Olympics, revealed her plan following a training session at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, just two days before the 2,000-meter mixed relay event.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Choi expressed her readiness and determination after her practice. "I worked really hard on my start today," she stated. "I will go out there and bring back great results." The mixed team relay format requires each country to have two female and two male skaters, following a specific order. Choi will be the first skater to take the ice, leading South Korea's pursuit of Olympic glory.
Choi, who previously led South Korea to a mixed relay gold medal at the International Skating Union Short Track World Tour stop in Poland in November 2025, remains confident about her strategy. Even though she was questioned about whether revealing her plans might give opponents an advantage, she dismissed any concerns. "I am sure other teams already know I will lead things off. It shouldn't be a major problem," she remarked.
Choi also highlighted the importance of starting strong, especially given the team's recent challenges in short distance events. "We've struggled in short distance events, but if we get off to a quick start, it will give us a great chance to win," she said. Emphasizing the simplicity of her approach, she added, "Having a good start doesn't require any special strategy. You have to be as quick as possible and not get pushed around when you try to jostle for position."
The competition will begin with the quarterfinals, and Choi has no plans to hold back. "We have to finish high in the semifinals to get an inside lane in the final," she explained. "So we have to go all-in from the semifinals. We have so many talented skaters, and I will take the ice with complete trust in my teammates."
Reflecting on the team's preparation, Choi concluded, "We've all done the best we could to prepare for this. And now we will wait and see what's in store for us."