⛸️ Lessons from Milano, and Kim Bo-reum's New Start! - 2026.02.23 | Speed Skating

Hello, Speed Skating Fans! It's Speed Skating Mania. 👋

The 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics have come to a grand finale. Our athletes worked so hard, didn't they? 👏 Today, along with a recap of the Olympics, I've prepared news about the welcome face of Kim Bo-reum appearing on TV after retirement, and a heartwarming story of a young prospect.

🇮🇹 What Milano Left Us: Bitter Medicine and Hope

In these Olympics, Speed Skating received a disappointing report card of 'No Medals' for the first time in 24 years since the 2002 Salt Lake City Games . But it's too early to be just disappointed! Lee Na-hyun, the 'next-generation ace' who stepped onto the Olympic stage for the first time, proved her potential by finishing 9th in the 1000m and 10th in the 500m ^[2].

It seems we need to listen to outside advice as well. Joey Mantia, coach of the Belgian short track team, advised regarding Korean speed skating that "rather than blindly copying specific strong nations, scientific and efficient training tailored to each individual athlete is needed" ^[1]. Chef de Mission Kim Taek-soo also emphasized the need for systematic physical training to overcome the physique gap with European athletes ^[3]. I hope this competition becomes an opportunity for our speed skating to leap forward again! 🙏

📺 "I'm Unemployed" Kim Bo-reum's Cheerful Update

PyeongChang silver medalist Kim Bo-reum appeared on the variety show 'Ask Us Anything' yesterday (23rd) to share her current status. Kim Bo-reum, who officially retired as of December 31, 2025, brought laughter by saying, "I'm currently a jobless person doing nothing" ^[4].

She also opened up about the 'bullying controversy' from 8 years ago. She said it was hard at the time, but thanks to that experience, she became stronger and now has the confidence not to crumble easily . To her, who is contemplating her second life in broadcasting, commentary, or coaching, Seo Jang-hoon gave realistic advice saying, "The most stable choice is being a leader (coach)" . Whatever path she takes, we support her! 🎉

🌟 17-Year-Old Seong-jun Dreaming in Old Skates

There is also a touching story. It's about a 17-year-old national team candidate named Seong-jun (pseudonym). It is said that despite his difficult family circumstances, he has been training wearing the same skates for 4 years and uniforms handed down from seniors ^[6].

Although the environment is so poor that he has to bend the skate blades back when they warp, he is an athlete who showed talent by sweeping gold medals in all events since elementary school. I hope our fans will cheer with all their hearts for Seong-jun, who is also a devoted son caring for his sick older sister, so that he does not give up and achieves his dream of becoming a national representative ^[6].

🌍 Overseas Speed Skating TMI

Takagi Nana's Stamina of Steel: Takagi Nana, the PyeongChang Mass Start gold medalist from Japan, surprised Japanese fans by appearing on a live broadcast just 3 hours after returning home from commenting in Milano. Going straight to work from the airport is truly amazing ^[7].
Bergsma's Gold Medal: Veteran Dutch skater Jorrit Bergsma won the gold medal in the Men's Mass Start. He himself rejoiced, saying, "I lacked confidence, but it's an unbelievable result" ^[8].

The Olympics are over, but the sweat of our athletes does not cool down. We look forward to seeing the Taegeukgi flying at the highest place on the podium again in the French Alps in 4 years! Fighting, Korean Speed Skating! 🇰🇷🔥