Relay Gold Medal, Choi Min-jung's Escape from Crisis is No Coincidence… A Competitor Who Became a Legend on the Ice
Choi Min-jung's composure during a critical moment in the Women's 3000m Relay finals at the 2023 Winter Olympics exemplifies her determination and training in overcoming challenges.
In the Women's 3000m Relay finals at the 2023 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, a significant moment unfolded when a Dutch skater collided with a Canadian competitor and fell, causing gasps among the audience. Amidst this turmoil, South Korean captain Choi Min-jung displayed remarkable composure, skillfully avoiding the fallen skater and promptly focused on closing the gap with the leading pack. Her calm and decisive action exemplified the qualities of a seasoned veteran, proving her resilience under pressure.
According to sources at the venue, Choi Min-jung's swift reaction was not by chance. Her ability to withstand the momentary chaos stemmed from her well-conditioned lower body strength, which she had built through consistent and rigorous training. She has been known to arrive first at the training rink and leave last when it comes to physical conditioning, highlighting her commitment to preparation. Choi had previously emphasized the importance of endurance training in her interviews leading up to the Olympics, particularly since she had to compete in multiple events, underscoring her focus on building her stamina.
This competition marks Choi Min-jung's third Olympics, where she has solidified her reputation as a leading athlete in short track speed skating. Her journey began in 2014 when she first donned the national team uniform and quickly ascended to prominence by claiming overall victory in her debut at the ISU World Short Track Championships in 2015. Prior to the current Olympics, she had already secured five Olympic medals (3 gold and 2 silver) and repeatedly demonstrated her excellence in various competitions despite facing challenges, including periods of slump during high-stake championships. Her adaptability and relentless effort continue to make her a formidable competitor on the ice, as further illustrated by her past Olympic victories.