Choi Min-jung, after winning a silver medal in the women's 1500m final at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, shared her emotional farewell to the Olympic games, calling it her last competition. Throughout the season, she faced considerable physical and emotional struggles, and her performance encapsulated the weight of this being her final chance at Olympic glory. After the race, she described her tears as mixed feelings of joy and sadness, signifying the end of an era in her athletic career.

In the subsequent press interaction, Choi wiped away tears as she reflected on her Olympic journey. She celebrated her achievement without regrets, stating, 'I did everything I could,' and discussed the emotional toll of preparing for the season. Despite her historic performances at the Olympic level, she gracefully acknowledged the culmination of her career as an athlete, marked by her seven medals—four gold and three silver—setting a record for the most medals by a South Korean Olympian.

As Choi moves on from her competitive career, she highlighted the significance of her silver medal in the 1500m, considering it the most meaningful moment of her Olympic experience. Despite her historic success, she humbly expressed disbelief at her achievements and attributed her success to a combination of hard work and a bit of luck. Choi Min-jung's departure from the Olympics leaves a legacy of excellence and inspires the next generation of skaters in South Korea.