Kim Min-sun's Personal Olympic Symbol for 2026 Winter Games
South Korean speed skater Kim Min-sun is channeling her Olympic aspirations into a tangible, personal symbol as she prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. The 26-year-old athlete, who will compete in the women's 500-meter and 1,000-meter events, recently acquired a custom-made necklace shaped like the iconic Olympic rings.
A Shared Promise in Silver
Crafted in a soft silver tone, this meaningful piece of jewelry represents Kim's solemn promise to herself ahead of the upcoming Games. She purchased the necklace alongside fellow speed skater Park Ji-woo, creating a shared reminder of their Olympic dreams and mutual support system. The accessory holds additional sentimental value as it was created by a local jewelry artist who once studied in Milan, one of the host cities for the 2026 Olympics, adding a layer of connection to her destination.
From PyeongChang Promise to Milan Aspiration
Kim Min-sun first captured international attention at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics on home soil. Since that breakthrough, she has steadily evolved into a leading figure in Korean women's speed skating, particularly following the retirement of legendary skater Lee Sang-hwa. Her competitive rise continued dramatically during the 2022-23 ISU World Cup season, where she finished first overall in the 500 meters and secured fourth place in the 1,000 meters. These impressive results solidified her status as a top contender for podium success in Milan.
The Turbulent Journey of Adaptation
However, Kim's path to her third Olympic appearance has been marked by significant challenges and difficult decisions. Ahead of a crucial season, she made the strategic choice to change her skates, following a trend among elite skaters who were transitioning to slightly longer blades. Though the length difference measured only about one centimeter, this modification profoundly impacted her balance, rhythm, and overall performance mechanics.
Kim embraced this change as necessary for maintaining competitiveness in an evolving sport, even while acknowledging the risks involved. The transition proved more difficult than anticipated, resulting in a noticeable performance decline as the Olympics drew nearer. After months of rigorous testing and adjustment, she ultimately decided to return to her familiar old skates, a choice that restored stability but left her confidence temporarily shaken.
Navigating Fierce Domestic Competition
During this period of adjustment, rival skater Lee Na-hyun emerged as a formidable competitor, winning medals at the 2025 Asian Winter Games and later defeating Kim at the national sprint championships. This development intensified competition within the South Korean team, pushing Kim to refine her approach and resilience.
Rediscovering Form and Olympic Wisdom
Kim has since begun to regain her competitive form, finishing seventh at one World Cup event this season before returning to the podium with a third-place finish. Reflecting on her seventh-place result at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Kim now feels psychologically stronger and more prepared. Speaking from the Korea National Training Center in Nowon District, northern Seoul, she emphasized how her experience across three Olympic cycles is proving invaluable.
With her physical condition steadily improving and her Olympic necklace serving as a daily reminder of her commitment, Kim Min-sun is determined to arrive in Italy at her competitive peak. Her goal extends beyond mere participation—she aims for a podium finish filled with genuine happiness rather than lingering regret, carrying the hopes of a nation and the weight of her personal promise symbolized in silver.
