Valentina Aščić, a 27-year-old Croatian record holder in short track speed skating, was unable to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the 500-meter race at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina 2026. In her qualifying group, she finished third with a time of 44.802 seconds, falling behind Dutch world record holder Xandra Velzeboer and Italian skater Chiara Betti. Only the top two finishers in each group and the four fastest times across all groups advanced to the next round, and Aščić’s time was not sufficient to continue in the competition.

Despite her early exit from the 500-meter event, Aščić is set to compete in two remaining events during the Olympics. She will participate in the qualifications for the 1000-meter race on February 14 and will also compete in the 1500-meter event on February 20, where she will be joined by fellow Croatian skater Katarina Burić. Aščić's previous performance as a record holder raises expectations for her upcoming races, and her fans remain hopeful that she can deliver a stronger performance in the longer distances.

The Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina is set to be a significant event for winter sports enthusiasts, showcasing athletes from around the world. Aščić's participation in multiple events highlights the competitive nature of the games and the rigorous qualification processes that determine the best contenders. Her experience and determination will likely be critical as she prepares for the forthcoming challenges, aiming to improve her standings and potentially achieve medal contention in her future performances.