Harbin, China – Kim Min-sun, the rising star of South Korean speed skating, concluded her 2025 Harbin Winter Asian Games campaign with two gold medals and one silver, but expressed a desire for improvement moving forward.
Kim finished fourth in the women's 1000m race at the Heilongjiang Ice Training Center Speed Skating Oval on February 11th, clocking a time of 1:16.74. She was edged out of a medal position by China's Han Mei (1:15.85) and Yin Qi (1:16.08), who took gold and silver respectively, and fellow South Korean Lee Na-hyun (Korea National Sport University, 1:16.39), who secured bronze.
Following the race, Kim spoke to reporters, stating, "I skated today feeling comfortable and relaxed. It wasn't a completely unsatisfactory race. I think I finished fourth because other skaters performed well. I was lacking. I think I need to reflect on what areas I need to develop in the future."
At these Winter Asian Games, Kim earned gold medals in the women's 500m and women's team sprint, and a silver medal in the women's 100m. While she became a two-time Asian Games champion, she fell short of her goal to medal in all her events.
"I would rate this competition about 80 points," Kim commented. "I had a difficult time preparing for the Asian Games because my performance wasn't strong at the beginning of the season, and I felt mentally shaken. But I'm glad I won gold in the 500m."
Kim, who dominated the women's 500m world rankings during the 2022-2023 International Skating Union (ISU) World Cup season, has faced challenges since the 2023-2024 season, prompting changes in her training methods and equipment. Prior to this season, she joined the international training team 'Team Gold,' aiming to rebound by training alongside foreign coaches and athletes.
However, this season she has yet to win an ISU World Cup 500m race, and her world ranking has dropped to 11th.
"I think I need to decide what to do with Team Gold training after the season," Kim said. "Honestly, I started Team Gold training because I wanted to improve my 1000m, but I have more to consider after seeing today's result."
These Games served as a pre-Olympic event, taking place a year before the 2026 Milano Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics.
"I prepared for this pre-Olympic competition with all my might, but there were many disappointing aspects," Kim emphasized. "Preparing for the Asian Games, I felt mentally pressured and struggled, but it was an opportunity for me to mature mentally. It will be a stepping stone for the Olympics."
She added, "Now there are two World Cup events and the World Championships left. I will address the disappointing aspects of the Asian Games and show a perfect performance without regrets."
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