Kim Yoon-ji, also known as 'Smiley', has made history by becoming the first female South Korean athlete to secure multiple medals at the Winter Paralympics, achieving this remarkable feat at the 2026 Milan-Cortina event. On March 10, Kim clinched a silver medal in the women's sit-ski sprint final, finishing with a time of 3:10.1, just three seconds behind legendary American skier Oksana Masters. This result marks the third medal for South Korea in the Winter Paralympics and reinforces Kim's status as a formidable competitor on the international stage.

Earlier in the competition, Kim had set a precedent by winning a gold medal in the women’s 12.5 km biathlon, making her the first South Korean woman to do so at the Paralympics. In her sprint heat, she showcased her exceptional abilities, finishing second to Masters and securing the top position in the semifinal heat. Her performance in the final continued to impress as she initially took the lead before ultimately finishing second to Masters in a closely contested race.

Despite her success, Kim's aspirations for more medals remain high. She will be competing again in the 10 km interval start event on March 11th, further demonstrating her determination and athletic prowess. As Kim Yoon-ji continues to challenge herself, her achievements not only highlight her individual talent but also inspire future generations of athletes in South Korea and around the world.