SEOUL: South Korean short track speed skater Choi Min-jeong is set to compete in her first International Skating Union (ISU) event on home soil in over a year, following a sabbatical that saw her make a successful return to international competition. The Olympic champion's participation in the upcoming event at Mokdong Ice Rink in Seoul marks a significant moment in her career as she prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics.According to Yonhap News Agency, Choi, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, took a break from international competitions for the 2023-2024 season to focus on technique development and equipment changes. However, she returned with a strong performance at the national team trials in April 2024, securing her place for the 2024-2025 season. During her time away, Choi participated in domestic events but largely avoided the international spotlight.Choi's performance in the first three legs of the ISU Short Track World Tour has been impressive, with the skater garnering a total of 516 points, mak ing her the top South Korean woman in the overall standings. Her achievements include a bronze in the 1,500 meters and a gold in the 1,000 meters, as well as a silver in the 500 meters during the events held in Montreal. Most recently, she shared a bronze medal with Corinne Stoddard of the United States in the 1,000 meters at the Beijing event.Reflecting on her comeback, Choi expressed satisfaction with her ability to compete at a high level despite her absence. She noted a mixed performance at the third World Tour stop in Beijing but remains optimistic about her physical condition and future competitions, including the Asian Winter Games and the world championships.Choi acknowledged the challenges she faced in Beijing, stating, "Some things didn't go the way I wanted them to, and I felt that other skaters were performing really well." Despite these hurdles, she is determined to improve, stating, "My goal this week is to skate better than I did last week."The upcoming ISU Short Track World Tour event in Seoul, running from Friday to Sunday, will provide Choi with an opportunity to demonstrate her continued prowess on the ice and further solidify her standing as a leading competitor in the sport.
- September 13, 2026
