Choi Min-jung, a prominent South Korean short track speedskater, spoke to reporters after her team's unfortunate failure to medal in the mixed relay semi-finals at the 2026 Winter Olympics held in Milan. She attributed the mishap to an unavoidable collision with American skater Karin Stoddard, which resulted in her team finishing third in the heat and missing the podium. Despite the setback, Choi remains optimistic about performing well in the upcoming individual events, expressing confidence and a commitment to perseverance among her teammates.

The collision occurred during a critical moment in the race, highlighting the unpredictable nature of short track racing. Choi reflected on their original goal, which was to gain momentum with a successful start in the first event, and expressed her disappointment at falling short. However, she reassured fans that her team would strive to do their best in the remaining competitions, including individual races, with fellow skaters such as Kim Kil-lee and Hwang Dae-heon asserting their determination to excel despite the obstacles they face.

While the mixed relay result may have been disappointing, Choi emphasized that the competition is far from over, noting that many personal events still lie ahead. Both men and women skaters from the South Korean team made it through the preliminary rounds in their respective events, fostering hope for better outcomes as they move forward in the tournament. With the team's resilience and focus, there remains a strong possibility for success in this international competition, allowing them to redeem their earlier misfortune with upcoming races.