Milan: Short track speed skater Kim Gil-li secured her first career Olympic medal on Monday at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, just days after a significant crash. Kim, known for her speed and nicknamed "Lambor-Gilli," won the bronze medal in the women's 1,000 meters at the Milano Ice Skating Arena.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the 21-year-old athlete had a fall in the semifinals of the mixed team relay after being tripped by Corinne Stoddard of the United States. Despite the crash, Kim emerged with only a minor bruise on her elbow and continued to compete, leading to her winning performance on Monday.

This event marks Kim's first Olympics, but she is an accomplished competitor on the international stage. She is a five-time world junior champion and has earned four medals at senior world championships. Additionally, Kim was awarded the Crystal Globe for the 2023-24 ISU Short Track Speed Skating World Cup season, having achieved seven gold and three silver medals in individual events.

With her recent success, Kim aspires to follow in the footsteps of her teammate, Choi Min-jeong. Choi, who won her first Olympic golds at 19 during the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, was unable to secure a medal in the recent 1,000m event in Milan. Observers are keen to see if Milan will become the stage for a symbolic transition of leadership from Choi to Kim.