Korean Speed Skater Lee Na-hyun Eyes Podium at 2030 Olympics After Top-10 Finish

Lee Na-hyun, Korea's rising star in women's short-distance speed skating, reflected on her first Olympic experience with mixed emotions. "There were many shortcomings," the 21-year-old Korea National Sport University student said, "but I saw hope," she added with a bright smile.

Lee finished 10th in the women's 500m at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Feb. 16 at the Milan Speed Skating Stadium with a time of 37.86 seconds.

"I was hoping to start from the outer lane, but it couldn't be helped," Lee said. "I worked hard to improve my finishing speed, but it wasn't enough. It's disappointing, but I have no regrets because I gave my best."

Lee started from the inner lane in the 13th pair and passed the first 100m in 10.47 seconds, the eighth-fastest opening split. She navigated the first curve well and powered through the straightaway but lost some speed on the final curve, unable to overcome the centrifugal force.

Starting from the outer lane allows skaters to draft behind their competitor in the final stretch. Lee's inner-lane start prevented her from improving her times in the latter half of the race, a known weakness.

"Despite the disappointment, I found hope in finishing in the top 10 in both events," Lee said. "I gained confidence that with steady preparation, I can reach the podium at the Olympics in four years."

Lee had earlier recorded Korea's best finish in the women's 1000m, placing ninth.

The skater also revealed plans to adjust her training approach for future Olympics. "I think I pushed too hard early this season," she said. "Other athletes peaked their condition for the Olympics, but I fell short."

"Having gained experience from this competition, I will be able to prepare more thoroughly for the Olympic stage going forward," she added.

Lee had a strong start to the season, winning bronze in the second women's 500m race at the first World Tour event. However, pushing her pace too aggressively early on led to physical fatigue during the Olympic period.

"As soon as today's race ended, I thought about showing a more improved version of myself in four years," Lee said. "Watching the athletes on the podium made me determined to work even harder."