Discipline Change Sparks Olympic Medal Hopes
Speed skating star Kim Min-seok (26) has shifted focus to long track events in preparation for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, according to recent competition records. The three-time Olympic medalist previously competed in short track skating before making the transition to long track this season, with officials confirming his qualification for multiple events.
Multiple Medal Opportunities Ahead
Competition analysis indicates Kim could compete in up to three long track events at the upcoming Games. The skater has secured qualification spots in the 1000m and 1500m races, with additional opportunities in the mass start event pending final roster decisions. Current rankings place him as South Korea’s third reserve skater in official registries.
“While 23 qualification spots are confirmed, the final roster could expand to 30 skaters,” explained a national team representative. “Kim maintains reserve status that could convert to competition eligibility depending on other athletes’ event selections.”
From Short Track Dominance to New Challenges
The decorated athlete previously claimed bronze in the 1500m event at both the 2018 Pyeongchang and 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics during his short track career. His discipline change in July 2022 followed a competition suspension, with skating officials approving his transition to long track events after a two-year national team probationary period.
Training sources describe Kim’s adaptation as “progressing faster than initial projections,” noting significant technical improvements despite early challenges. “His coaching staff recognized potential that required time to fully develop,” shared an insider familiar with the transition process. “The Olympic stage always brings unpredictable outcomes, but Kim’s previous medal experience remains valuable.”
Road to Milan-Cortina
Recent ISU World Cup performances show Kim placed 9th in the first competition, with subsequent events ranking between 18th-20th. The Milan-Cortina Olympics will run from February 5-22, 2026, featuring 17 days of competition. Skating analysts suggest medal possibilities exist if Kim maintains his current development trajectory.
“Historical data shows no long track skaters from our nation qualified four years ago,” noted a sports performance researcher. “Kim’s breakthrough this season marks significant progress for South Korean speed skating in this discipline.”
