President Lee Jae-myung sent congratulations on the 16th via Facebook to Kim Gil-li (Seongnam City Hall), who won the bronze medal in the women's 1,000 meters in short track at the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics, saying she hopes "today's hard-earned achievement will be a starting point toward a bigger leap."
Lee said, "With tireless stamina and explosive acceleration that earned her the nickname 'Rambor-gilli,' Kim showed race management so seasoned it was hard to believe this was her first Olympics," adding, "In a fierce battle where split-second judgment decided the outcome, she charged around the track with boldness and cool-headedness at the same time."
She added, "It is a meaningful result that once again proved to the world the unique strength and tenacity of Korea's short track," and encouraged, "In every challenge to come, I hope you continue to race proudly and powerfully, living up to your nickname." She also said, "I send a big round of applause to Choi Min-jeong (Seongnam City Hall), who competed alongside her and gave her all to the end, and to Noh Do-hee (Hwaseong City Hall)," adding, "All three athletes are the pride and hope of Korea's short track."
Kim Gil-li won the bronze medal with a time of 1 minute, 28.614 seconds in the women's 1,000-meter final at the Milan Ice Skating Arena in Italy on the day.