Three Medals in Four Days... 'Smiley' Kim Yoon-ji Sets New Record for Most Medals in Winter Paralympics
Kim Yoon-ji won a silver medal in cross-country skiing at the Winter Paralympics, setting a new record for the most medals by a South Korean athlete at a single Winter Paralympic event.
Kim Yoon-ji, affectionately known as 'Smiley', has made history in the 2026 Winter Paralympics by winning three medals in just four days. At the cross-country skiing women's 10km interval start event held at the Tesserete cross-country stadium in Italy, she secured a silver medal with a time of 26 minutes and 51.6 seconds, finishing behind USA's Oksana Masters, who is considered a living legend in the sport. This achievement cements Kim's status in the Korean Winter Paralympic history as the athlete with the most medals at a single competition. During the race, Kim showcased her exceptional skills by taking the lead initially and crossing the 1.6 km mark first. However, at the 5 km segment, she allowed Masters to overtake her. Despite a fall in the final lap that could have jeopardized her race, Kim quickly recovered and persevered, ultimately crossing the finish line in second place. Her remarkable performance under pressure highlights her resilience and determination as an athlete. Training specifically for this event, Kim dedicated herself to rigorous weight training during the off-season, although she reported minimal swimming practice. The demanding nature of cross-country skiing requires both strong endurance and physical strength, and her strategic training approach paid off. With this event's three medals, including one gold and two silvers, Kim has established herself as a dominant figure in this year's Winter Paralympics, marking a significant milestone for both her personal career and South Korean representation in winter sports.