Seoul: A high school senior has emerged victorious in the South Korean Olympic short track speed skating trials, which concluded on Sunday. Rim Jong-un, 17, secured the top position among male skaters with a total of 102 points, earning the opportunity to represent South Korea at the 2026 Winter Games in Italy.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Rim Jong-un’s impressive performance began in the first phase of the trials at Mokdong Ice Rink, Seoul, where he claimed victory in the 1,500 meters, came second in the 1,000 meters, and secured 17th place in the 500 meters. In the second stage, Rim continued his winning streak by capturing another 1,500 meters title, finishing third in the 500 meters, and placing 10th in the 1,000 meters. This victory marks Rim’s first inclusion in the senior national team.

Hwang Dae-heon, the 2022 Olympic champion in the 1,500 meters, finished second overall with 89 points. Hwang’s journey to the trials was marked by a series of setbacks, including missed trials for the 2024-25 season and a string of controversies due to fouls committed against teammate Park Ji-won in various competitions.

Shin Dong-min, who won three gold medals at the previous year’s world juniors, secured third place in the trials with 55 points. The 20-year-old skater will also make his senior international debut. The top three male finishers will compete in individual events and relays at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Meanwhile, Lee Jeong-min and Lee June-seo, who finished fourth and fifth, will participate only in relay events.

Park Ji-won, a three-time world champion with three overall World Cup titles, was unable to secure a spot in the trials, continuing his Olympic absence despite his successful international career.

On the women’s side, Kim Gil-li, the 2024 ISU World Cup overall champion, dominated the trials with 128 points, followed by Noh Do-hee with 69 points. Three-time Olympic champion Choi Min-jeong had already secured her place by winning an individual gold medal at the world championships. Consequently, only Kim and Noh will participate in individual events at the Olympics, while Lee So-yeon and Shim Suk-hee will join the relay team after finishing third and fourth.

South Korea remains the most successful nation in Olympic short track history, boasting 26 gold, 16 silver, and 11 bronze medals.