Lee Hae-in, a 21-year-old figure skater from South Korea, recently made her Olympic debut during the women’s single short program at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Following a tumultuous journey marked by personal challenges, Lee expressed gratitude for her perseverance and the temporary nature of both happiness and sorrow. Performing flawlessly, she completed all required elements and finished the program with a bright smile, receiving a warm applause from the audience. Her total score of 70.07 points surpassed her previous season's best and secured her a place in the upcoming free skating event.

Previously known as a prominent 'Kim Yuna Kids' protégé, Lee had made history in 2021 by becoming the youngest South Korean to break into the world’s top ten figure skaters at the World Championships. Despite Korea earning two spots for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Lee missed the selection due to poor performance in the trials. Nonetheless, she demonstrated resilience by winning a gold medal at the Four Continents Championships and a silver medal at the World Championships shortly after.

Lee's journey is inspiring, showcasing how passion and determination can lead to success despite setbacks. Dreaming of Olympic participation since her teenage years, she faced a daunting period when disciplinary actions threatened to derail her career due to allegations involving misconduct during a training camp. However, she seems to have overcome those obstacles, reaffirming her commitment to her sport and her dreams.