Kim Gilli Named Team Korea MVP as Only Double Gold Medalist at Milan-Cortina 2026

Kim Gilli, who won two gold medals in short track speed skating at the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics, has been named Most Valuable Player of the Korean national team.

The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee held the team's closing ceremony at Korea House in Villa Necchi Campiglio, Milan, Italy on February 22, where Kim was announced as the MVP of the Games.

The Committee has been selecting its own MVP for Olympic and Asian Games delegations since the 2023 Hangzhou Summer Asian Games to boost athlete morale. Kim earned the honor with more than 80% support in voting by Korean media correspondents covering the Games. She will receive prize money of 30 million won ($20,600), consistent with previous MVP recipients.

Kim captured gold in the women's 1500m short track event, edging out veteran teammate Choi Min-jeong, who was seeking an unprecedented third consecutive Olympic title in the individual event. Kim then helped secure gold in the women's 3000m relay, making her the only Korean athlete to win two gold medals at the Games.

"Receiving the MVP award for the first time is deeply meaningful," Kim said. "I didn't even know there was an MVP award, but I'm happy that it came to me as a result of giving my best in every race. It feels like my hard work has been rewarded."

"Having Korean food every day abroad gave me strength, and the Athletes' Village tour remains a fun memory," she added. "I feel like this is just the beginning, and it motivates me to work hard and grow. I will train even harder to become a better athlete."