At just 22 years old, Kim Gilli, representing Seongnam City Hall, secured her first Olympic medal by finishing third in the women's 1000m final at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. In a post-race interview, she conveyed a mix of joy and determination, reflecting on the gravity of her achievement and how it has fueled her ambition for greater success. After facing significant challenges throughout the competition, including a fall in the mixed relay semifinal that raised concerns about her safety, the bronze medal has become particularly meaningful for her.

During the race, Kim not only had to navigate fierce competition but also dealt with setbacks, including a collision in the semifinals that could have cost her a spot in the finals. Following a review, she was awarded an advance decision after the Belgian skater, Hanner Desmet, was deemed to have committed a foul. Kim's bronze medal marks the sixth medal for the South Korean team at the event, which includes one gold, two silver, and three bronzes.

Reflecting on her journey, Kim expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from her fans during the New Year's holiday, emphasizing that it motivated her to push through difficult moments. She noted the competitive intensity of the Olympics and reiterated her commitment to trusting herself and performing to the best of her abilities, acknowledging the rarity of Olympic opportunities. Despite leading briefly in the final, she ultimately finished third behind Dutch skater Jandra Beukeboom, but the experience has evidently strengthened her resolve to pursue higher aspirations in her sport.