Short Track Legend Choi Min-jung Rates Career 95 Points, Backs Kim Gil-li as Successor

"I'm not worried because we have (Kim) Gil-li," said Choi Min-jung, the retiring short track speed skating legend, expressing confidence in her successor.

Choi, 27, who announced her retirement from Olympic competition after the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, spoke with Seoul Economic Daily on May 12 at the All That Sports headquarters in Gangnam, Seoul. The skater, widely regarded as the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) of Korean short track, praised Kim Gil-li, 22, who won two gold medals at this year's Olympics.

"There are more talented junior skaters than people realize," Choi said. "Once they join the national team, they'll grow quickly and perfectly fill my position."

The veteran offered advice to rising athletes: maintain individual style while mastering fundamentals, and stay humble and grateful.