Kim Gilli wins 1500m gold at Milan 2026
Kim Gilli stunned defending champion Choi Minjeong to win the women’s 1500m short track title at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Saturday, seizing control in the final laps to claim her first Olympic gold.
The Dutch skater timed her move perfectly, accelerating past the Republic of Korea star on the closing circuit and holding her line to the finish. Choi, who had dominated the distance in recent Games, settled for silver after leading much of the race.
“I believed in my last push,” Kim said after crossing the line. “I knew if I stayed close, I would have a chance.” Choi admitted, “She was stronger at the end. I gave everything.”
A team coach described the race as “tactically flawless,” as Kim delivered a breakthrough victory and signalled a new force in women’s short track.