With just a week left until the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Team Korea held a resolution ceremony to boost morale and reaffirm their determination. The event took place on January 22 at Olympic Parktel in Songpa-gu, Seoul, gathering athletes, their families, and key officials such as Minister Choi Hwi-young and Korean Sport & Olympic Committee President Yoo Seung-min. The ceremony was more than a formality; it served as a rallying point for national pride and team unity. Athletes expressed both tension and resolve, while their families offered heartfelt support.
The Winter Olympics will be held from February 6 to 22, spanning 17 days across Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Approximately 2,900 athletes from 90 countries will compete in 8 sports and 16 disciplines. South Korea is sending a delegation of 71 athletes and 59 officials, aiming for a top 10 overall finish—a larger team than the previous Beijing Games by six athletes. Key medal hopes include short track speed skating, figure skating, speed skating, and curling.
Minister Choi emphasized the importance of tradition in ice sports and new challenges in snow and sled events, urging athletes to do their best with national pride. President Yoo encouraged the team to trust their preparation and compete without regrets. The short track team, led by Choi Min-jeong, is highly competitive but faces challenges due to recent ISU rule changes and stricter judging. The government and sports committee have strengthened education and protocols to address potential judging controversies, while expanding psychological and scientific support for athletes.
In figure skating, Cha Jun-hwan’s recent runner-up finish at the Four Continents Championships signals strong medal potential. Speed skater Chung Jae-won is expected to lead in middle and long-distance events, where race management and stamina will be crucial. Curling, especially the women’s and mixed doubles teams, is also in the spotlight. In snow and sled events, the focus is on reaching finals and achieving personal bests. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is collaborating with other agencies to provide comprehensive support, including meal centers and on-site adaptation assistance.
The 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics showcase Korea’s evolution in sports administration and scientific support. The integration of AI-driven performance analysis, psychological counseling, and proactive rule education is set to maximize athlete performance. Korea’s strategic response to international rule changes and judging variables demonstrates a new level of global competitiveness. This comprehensive support model could serve as a blueprint for sustained success in future international sporting events.