Choi won silver in the women’s 1,500 meters on Feb. 21 (Korean time) at the Milan Ice Skating Arena in Italy.
The medal was her seventh Olympic medal (four gold, three silver), setting a new record for most Olympic medals by a South Korean athlete. She surpassed Jin Jong-oh (shooting), Kim Soo-nyung (archery) and Lee Seung-hoon (speed skating), who each had six.
Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone after the race, Choi said it was her Olympic “last dance.” “Thinking this is my last Olympics makes me cry,” she said, adding that the thought stayed with her from the start to the finish. “Even after it ended, all I could think was, ‘This is really the last one.’ I don’t think you’ll see me at the Olympics anymore.”
Teammates who shared her final Olympic run offered praise and disappointment at her decision.
Kim Gil-li (Seongnam City Hall), who won two gold medals and one bronze at these Games, said, “Choi Min-jeong worked so hard as captain. It was an honor to compete on a big stage with her. I think it’ll be an unforgettable memory.”
Lee So-yeon (Sports Toto), described as the team’s oldest member, said Choi was “more diligent than anyone.” She said she was moved when Choi cried after the women’s 1,500 final. “I cheered for her because I saw how hard she worked,” Lee said. “I think she could keep going, but I support her choice.”
Shim Suk-hee (Seoul City Hall) thanked Choi, saying she must have been busy preparing for individual events but still prioritized the team. “The burden must have been heavy as captain, but thank you for quietly putting in the work,” Shim said.
Noh Do-hee (Hwaseong City Hall) said she learned of Choi’s decision through an interview article and felt upset. “She’s not the type to show how hard things are,” Noh said. “Seeing her cry and show her emotions made me guess how difficult it must have been.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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