Milan, Italy, February 18, 2026: The Republic of Korea prevailed in a dramatic women’s 3,000 metres relay final on Wednesday, February 18, edging Italy for the gold. Canada clinched the bronze.
The Koreans, led by Choi Min-jeong and Kim Gil-li, were in third position for most of the 27-lap race before making their move and pulling ahead of Italy and Canada.
It was Korea's first short track gold medal of these Winter Games at Milano Ice Skating Arena.
Choi won the fourth Olympic gold of her illustrious career while Italian short track queen Arianna Fontana skated with her team to her 14th Olympic medal.
Shim Suk-hee, Noh Do-hee and Lee So-yeon raced with Choi and Kim to gold. The Korean squad had taken silver four years ago in Beijing behind the Netherlands and now are back on the top of the podium.
“Bringing back the gold to Korea in the women’s relay is a testament to our strength and to show that Korea is a powerhouse in short track relay,” Choi noted.
“We really wanted to prove that we are very strong. It was a very difficult competition with very strong opponents.”
Eight teams competed in the women’s 3000m relay finals A and B.
Korea now has two gold medals, two silver medals and three bronze medals at this Olympics, which wrap up on Sunday, February 22.