Saturday was just another day at the office for the Republic of Korea at the 1932 Jack Shea Arena as the delegation concluded the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games short track speed skating competition with four gold medals in as many events.
Minjeong Choi added two more gold to her medal collection, making her the most decorated athlete at the Games, with four.
Choi first triumphed in the women’s 1000m race in 1:38.107, ahead of German Anna Siedel (1:38.134) and teammate Whimin Seo (1:38.252).
“I’m very happy about winning a gold medal in all individual events,” said the three-time Olympic champion, who had great support from the tribunes. “We are well known for being the favourites in short track. I’m trying my best to continue this legacy in the future.”
A few moments later, she captured her fourth gold of the Games in the women’s 3000m relay as Korea clocked 4:12.557 to edge China (4:16.642) and the United States (4:24.015).
“It’s really an honour for me to compete with these girls,” said teammate Jiyun Park post-race. “I will celebrate with the whole team after the medal ceremony.”
The Korean women combined to win nine short track medals at Lake Placid 2023.
“No matter the colour of medals, we achieved them together and that means a lot. It’s very meaningful for us,” added Whimin Seo.
In the men’s 1000m, the Koreans swept the podium. Sungwoo Jang set the fastest time of 1:25.937, followed by Jeongmin Lee (1:26.029) and Taesung Kim (1:26.071).
“I’m really happy, because I achieved the goal I set myself before the Games,” the winner said after winning his second medal in Lake Placid. “I worked really hard to get here, therefore I’m really excited about the result.”
In the men’s relay, the Korean team made it look easy and led most of the 5000m race, winning with a time of 7:10.689. Kazakhstan was second (7:12.409) and the Netherlands secured third place (7:12.450).
“It makes me happier, because we achieved this as a team,” Wonsik Jeong said after the last short track race of the Games.
“The journey to the University Games was long. We had a lot of preparations before coming here,” said team captain Juneseo Lee. “It’s amazing to deliver all of that here.”
Overall, the Republic of Korea won 16 of the 27 medals available in short track speed skating. .
Written by Miha Trošt, FISU Young Reporter
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