During the semifinals of the mixed relay in short track at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, South Korean athlete Kim Gilli collided forcefully with an American competitor but fortunately avoided serious injury. Although he reported pain after the race, the coaching staff reassured that he would not face significant issues in participating in the remaining sports. Coach Kim Min-jung noted that while Kim Gilli did sustain a scraped arm that required medical attention, he was deemed fit to compete moving forward.

Kim Gilli is a vital member of the South Korean team, scheduled to contest not only in the mixed relay but also in the women's 3000m relay and individual races of 500m, 1000m, and 1500m. The incident happened during the 2000m mixed relay semifinals when the leading American skater, Corrine Stoddard, fell unexpectedly, leading to a direct collision with Kim Gilli. Although Kim managed to execute a baton pass with teammate Choi Min-jeong during the fall, the team ultimately finished third and did not qualify for the final round.

After the semifinals, officials deliberated the potential for South Korea's advancement but maintained the initial decision based on the rules of the International Skating Union, which specify that a team must be in the top two to qualify for an advancement. Despite protests from the coaching staff, the outcome was upheld as they recognized the clarity of the regulation in this instance, leaving South Korea’s team to regroup and focus on the upcoming events without Kim Gilli in the final race due to his injury.