Kim Gil-li Claims Bronze in Women's 1000m Short Track

South Korean short track star Kim Gil-li secured a bronze medal in the women's 1000m event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

Kim, 22, crossed the finish line in 1 minute 28.614 seconds at the Ice Skating Arena in Milan, Italy, on Thursday, finishing behind gold medalist Sandra Velzeboer of the Netherlands and silver medalist Courtney Sarault of Canada.

Starting from the outermost lane among five finalists, Kim struggled to advance from last place in the early stages as competitors blocked her path. She remained in the rear until four laps remained. Kim seized her opportunity when Arianna Fontana of Italy fell behind amid fierce jostling, surging forward to briefly take the lead with three laps to go. However, Velzeboer and world No. 1 Sarault soon overtook her, and Kim could not regain ground in the final sprint.

South Korea has now collected six medals at the Games: Kim Sang-kyum's silver in men's parallel giant slalom snowboard on Feb. 8, Yoo Seung-eun's bronze in women's big air snowboard on Feb. 10, Choi Ga-on's gold in women's halfpipe snowboard on Feb. 13, Lim Jong-eon's bronze in men's 1000m short track on Feb. 13, and Hwang Dae-heon's silver in men's 1500m short track on Feb. 15.

Kim shed tears after the race. She had advanced to the final only through video review after being tripped by Belgium's Hanne Desmet in the semifinal.

Team leader Choi Min-jung failed to reach the final after placing fourth in semifinal heat 2, finishing third in Final B. Noh Do-hee was eliminated in the quarterfinals.

South Korean short track has traditionally relied on explosive mid-race acceleration to overtake rivals from behind on outside lanes. However, as competitors from other nations have dramatically improved their technique and stamina, recovering from early deficits has become increasingly difficult. Canada has established itself as the dominant short track power through World Tour events, while speed skating powerhouse Netherlands has demonstrated formidable strength in short track at these Games. Velzeboer claimed her second gold of the Olympics, adding to her 500m title.