MILAN – A collision in Tuesday’s short track mixed relay semifinal at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics left the South Korean team’s medal hopes dashed, and sparked a moment of confusion as coach Kim Min-jung approached officials with cash in hand. While the incident initially raised eyebrows, it was not a bribe, but rather a standard procedure for lodging a protest under International Skating Union (ISU) regulations.
The incident occurred with six laps remaining in the semifinal. The Korean team, comprised of Choi Min-jung, Kim Gil-li, Hwang Dae-heon, and Lim Jong-eon, was vying for a qualifying position when U.S. Skater Corinne Stoddard lost her footing and fell, taking Kim Gil-li down with her. The crash significantly hampered Korea’s chances, and they ultimately finished third, failing to advance to the final.
Immediately following the race, coach Kim Min-jung sought to challenge the outcome. According to ISU rules, any protest must be submitted in writing, in English, and accompanied by a 100 Swiss franc (approximately $130) fee. The money is refunded if the protest is successful, but forfeited if it is denied. The timeframe for submitting a protest is limited to 30 minutes after the race’s conclusion.
Footage of Kim Min-jung approaching the judges with a banknote quickly circulated, leading to speculation about a potential attempt to influence the decision. However, multiple reports confirm the coach was simply fulfilling the ISU’s requirements for filing a formal protest. The Korean team requested relief based on the American skater’s penalty, but the request was ultimately denied.
Kim Gil-li, the skater involved in the collision, appeared to be in good spirits despite the setback, displaying her arm to reporters and stating, “My body is okay.” The incident, however, adds to a growing narrative of challenging ice conditions at the Milano Ice Skating Arena. Several skaters have voiced concerns about the ice surface, describing it as “soft” and contributing to a higher rate of falls.
“The ice is soft,” one unnamed skater told Yonhap News, reflecting a sentiment shared by others competing at the venue. The organizing committee has acknowledged the concerns and stated they are continuously monitoring the ice temperature.
The elimination of the Korean team is a significant disappointment, particularly given the nation’s strong tradition in short track speed skating. The team finished sixth overall after competing in Final B. The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of the sport, where seemingly minor disruptions can have a major impact on the final result. It’s a misfortune that feels almost fated in short track, as one commentator noted.
The collision also sparked a wave of online reaction, with Korean fans reportedly directing criticism towards Stoddard. The incident highlights the intense passion and scrutiny surrounding the sport, particularly during major international competitions like the Olympics.
While the protest was unsuccessful, the actions of coach Kim Min-jung demonstrate a commitment to advocating for her team and upholding the integrity of the competition, even in the face of adversity. The situation serves as a reminder of the complex rules and procedures governing Olympic sports, and the importance of understanding those regulations to navigate challenging circumstances.
The incident also brings into focus the ongoing debate surrounding the fairness of judging in short track, a sport often characterized by close calls and subjective interpretations. The ISU’s protest system, while intended to provide a mechanism for addressing concerns, is not always successful in resolving disputes to the satisfaction of all parties involved.
The Korean team will now focus on their remaining events at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, hoping to rebound from this setback and contend for medals in other disciplines. The incident serves as a harsh lesson in the unpredictable nature of sport, and the importance of resilience in the face of disappointment.
