Choi Min-jeong, Olympic Legend, Announces Retirement After Record-Breaking Career

Milan, Italy – In a stunning announcement that reverberated through the world of short track speed skating, Choi Min-jeong, South Korea’s most decorated Olympian, has declared her retirement from the national team. The announcement came at a press conference held at the Korea House in Milan on February 21st, following her performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

A Historic Olympic Run

Choi Min-jeong’s Olympic journey culminated at the 2026 Milan/Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics, where she secured a gold medal in the 3000m relay and a silver in the 1500m. These additions brought her career Olympic medal count to an unprecedented seven, surpassing the previous record of six medals held by Jin Jong-oh (shooting), Kim Soo-nyeong (archery), and Lee Seung-hoon (speed skating). She now stands alone as the Korean athlete with the most Olympic medals in both Winter and Summer Games history.

“There Will Be No More Olympics”

It is certain that this is the last Olympics.

Choi Min-jeong, at a press conference in Milan

Despite achieving this remarkable milestone, Choi Min-jeong made it unequivocally clear that she will not compete in future Olympic Games. This decision brings an end to a career defined by consistent excellence across three Olympic appearances, beginning with the 2018 Pyeongchang Games.

Beyond the Medals: A Career Marked by Resilience

Choi Min-jeong’s legacy extends beyond her medal haul. She is celebrated for her sustained dominance in a demanding sport, consistently ranking among the world’s best over three Olympic cycles. Her path, though, wasn’t without its challenges. She faced intense competition, public criticism, and, notably, a period of conflict within the national team.

The athlete experienced a difficult period, including a past conflict with Shim Suk-hee. She was often in a position of being unfairly targeted, and even after the truth came to light, the psychological impact was significant. A recent injury kept her away from the national team during the 2023-2024 season, adding to the difficulties she faced in regaining peak performance.

A Mother’s Love and Support

A deeply personal moment accompanied the announcement of her retirement. A handwritten letter from Choi Min-jeong’s mother, shared on the International Olympic Committee’s official Instagram channel, provided a poignant glimpse into the emotional weight of her journey.

“I can’t believe that you are already participating in your third Olympics. It’s a miracle that a small child who first put on skates at the age of 6 can stand on such a big stage. My mother is also heartbroken at the thought that this could be her last time (participating in the Olympics). She knows how much she has endured, endured, and cried.”

Choi Min-jeong’s Mother, in a letter to her daughter

Her mother continued, expressing immense pride in her daughter, stating that Choi Min-jeong is already “the gold medal of [her] life.”

Choi Min-jeong herself acknowledged the profound impact of her mother’s letter, saying, I cried a lot (after reading the letter). I had a hard time just getting to this point, and seeing the gold medal part of my mother’s life helped me endure the difficult process. Thanks to my mother’s letter, I was able to pull myself together and gather myself, and I think I finished the Olympics well thanks to that.

A Legacy of Inspiration

The decision to retire, even as surprising to many, was made with a sense of relief, and closure. I am relieved that I played without regrets, but I cry when I think that it is the last time. From the start of the game to the end, I thought today was the last time. Now you won’t be able to see me at the Olympics anymore. she stated.

Colleagues and teammates have expressed their support and admiration for Choi Min-jeong’s career. Kim Gil-li, who succeeded Choi Min-jeong as a dominant force in the sport, praised her dedication and leadership. Lee So-yeon, another teammate, acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but expressed support for Choi Min-jeong’s choice. Even Shim Seok-hee, with whom she had a complex relationship, offered words of gratitude for her contributions to the team.

Looking Ahead

Choi Min-jeong has indicated she will consider her future options, whether to continue her career as a professional athlete or pursue other endeavors. Regardless of her next chapter, her impact on Korean short track speed skating and the Olympic movement will be enduring.

FAQ

• How many Olympic medals did Choi Min-jeong win? She won a total of seven Olympic medals: four gold and three silver.
• What events did she win medals in at the 2026 Olympics? She won gold in the 3000m relay and silver in the 1500m.
• Why is Choi Min-jeong retiring? She cited emotional exhaustion and a desire to move forward with her life after a long and demanding career.