"Right now, I'd give my performance an 85," says Choi Min-jeong (27, Seongnam City Hall), the returning "Empress of Short Track." After a year away from the sport, Choi made a triumphant return, sweeping gold medals in the women's 500m, 1000m, and mixed 2000m relay at the recent Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China.

"My body recovered faster than expected," Choi admitted. "I achieved more than I anticipated, and honestly, I surprised myself. But there's still room to improve. I've been skating for nearly 15 years, and I've never once felt like I was perfect. I need to keep working hard to fill that remaining 15 points before the next Winter Olympics."

Choi's dominant performance at the Asian Winter Games, where she became the first Korean woman to win three gold medals, was a testament to her unwavering dedication. She is a legend in the world of short track, with three Olympic gold medals, five Asian Games gold medals, and 16 World Championship titles to her name.

A Much-Needed Break

In 2023, Choi announced she would be taking a year off from competition. It was a difficult decision, but one she felt was necessary to recharge and prepare for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics.

"My break was a turning point," Choi explained. "I had a lot of concerns about giving up my national team spot, but I knew I needed a break. During that time, I was able to recover mentally and physically. I also experimented with different equipment and focused on refining my fundamentals."

For the first time in a decade, Choi was able to enjoy simple things like spending time with friends and family. She also found solace in the company of her dog, Ongsimi. "I had a lot of time to reflect," she said. "I was able to find a sense of peace. For the past year, I've been trying to let go of the burdens I've been carrying."

Overcoming Fear and Doubt

Despite her impressive record, Choi admitted she felt nervous about returning to competition. She worried about her ability to regain her form and the pressure of competing again. But like the champion she is, Choi quickly put those fears to rest.

"I'm happy with my results in the 500m, which isn't my strongest event," she said after winning her three gold medals. "It gives me confidence and shows me that I can try new things. It's a big step forward for me."

Looking ahead to the Winter Olympics, Choi knows she will face stiff competition from China, Canada, the Netherlands, Hungary, and other top short track nations. But she is confident that she and her teammates will be ready.

"The strength of Korean short track comes from the athletes," she said. "We are passionate, dedicated, and determined to improve. To beat the best in the world, we have to be perfect. We will work hard together over the next year to make sure we are ready."

Choi Min-jeong's return to short track has been nothing short of spectacular. With her sights set on the 2026 Winter Olympics, she is poised to continue her reign as one of the greatest short track skaters of all time.