Seoul: South Korea failed to reach the podium in the mixed relay in short track speed skating at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics on Tuesday. The quartet of Choi Min-jeong, Kim Gil-li, Rim Jong-un, and Hwang Dae-heon finished third in their group during the semifinals at Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan. Only the top two teams from the two groups advanced to the final.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean team faced a setback when Kim Gil-li got tripped up by Corinne Stoddard of the United States with six laps remaining in the 18-lap, 2,000-meter race. At that moment, South Korea was in third place behind the U.S. and Canada. Despite crossing the line in third place, South Korea settled for the consolation "B" final. A South Korean team official protested on-site, requesting an "advancement" due to a U.S. penalty, but the results stood unchanged.

In short track speed skating, referees can advance a skater or team if they are fouled while in a strong position. However, a skater must be in at least second place at the time of a foul or rule violation. Kim was in third place during her collision with Stoddard, leading South Korea to accept the final decision.

Team officials reported that Kim was "a little sore" but expected to compete in upcoming races. Kim Min-jung, the assistant coach, mentioned Kim Gil-li sustained a cut on her right arm and received treatment for bleeding. Further tests will be conducted on her right hand's swelling, but she is anticipated to be fit for future races.

The assistant coach appealed the ruling, believing Kim Gil-li was in or near second place during the collision. "The referee determined we were in third place, and further pushing could have resulted in a penalty," Kim explained.

Canada and Belgium progressed from South Korea's group, while Italy and China advanced from the other group. Italy secured the gold medal in the "A" final, with Canada taking silver and Belgium earning bronze. The Netherlands won the B final against South Korea, France, and the United States.

The mixed relay, featuring two female and two male skaters per team, debuted at the Olympics in 2022 in Beijing. South Korea had previously exited in the quarterfinals and aimed for redemption this year but fell short.

The short track competition in Milan began with this event and will continue on Thursday with the women's 500m and men's 1,000m quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals.