With backing from CJ, speed skater Kim Min-sun is determined to bring home a medal from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games
“I’m preparing for these Games with more support than ever before. With CJ’s solid backing, I’ve been able to take the next step in my growth as an athlete. For my third Olympics, I’m determined to leave it all on the ice.”
Ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, national speed skater Kim Min-sun, 25, appears calm yet resolute. This will mark her third Olympic bid, following Pyeongchang 2018 and Beijing 2022.
Having gained a wealth of experience over the years, Kim’s vision has sharpened. Sitting down to speak with CJ Newsroom at Taereung International Skating Rink on January 8, she shared her mission with total clarity. “This is the stage at which I want to push myself with absolutely no regrets,” she said. “I’m determined to come home with a medal around my neck and a smile on my face.”
One Goal: Olympic Gold in the Women’s 500m
CJ has been sponsoring Kim since 2023, serving as a crucial partner in her global pursuits, not only with financial backing but also with essential dietary support for overseas training and competitions. This assistance proved vital when Kim joined the international training squad, “Team Gold,” for specialized sessions following the 2023-2024 season.
Bolstered by this backing, Kim’s performance has followed a steady upward trajectory. At the 2024 ISU Speed Skating World Cup, she shattered the South Korean record in the 1,000m — a record held by legendary skater Lee Sang-hwa for nearly a decade. She further proved her momentum at the 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games, securing two gold medals and one silver. In December, she claimed bronze at the 2025 ISU Speed Skating World Cup, stepping onto the podium for the first time this season.
Heading into the Olympics, Kim has set a clear benchmark for herself: gold in her signature event, the women’s 500m. “To be fully satisfied with my results, there’s no option other than to win a medal,” she stated resolutely.
Kim is meticulously calibrating her training intensity to peak on February 15, the day of the women’s 500m final. She has her routine down to a tee, and she knows her form tends to surge as the season progresses. Currently, she is laser-focused on sharpening her start. “The race is won or lost by the explosive speed you unleash in that split second,” she explained, underscoring her focus on perfecting that pivotal moment.
‘My Worth as an Athlete Is Being Recognized’
Prior to the interview at CJ’s “bibigo Day” event, Kim showed off a custom silver pendant shaped like the Olympic rings. She described the necklace as a mental anchor, explaining that a glance at the rings helps reignite her drive whenever she feels her focus slipping.
When hitting a rough patch, Kim reminds herself to maintain an even keel, refusing to ride the emotional highs and lows of a single result. “The only thing that counts is whether the race keeps me on the right trajectory toward my ultimate goal,” she noted. “I analyze what I missed, turn the page, and immediately lock in on the next challenge.”
Kim credits CJ’s stable sponsorship as a key factor in maintaining this mindset. “The simple fact that a premier company like CJ recognizes my potential and backs me is a massive driving force,” she said. “It feels like my worth as an athlete is being recognized.”
The practical support has been equally vital. For speed skaters who travel often for overseas camps and competitions, nutrition is the foundation of physical conditioning. “Before a race, I need food that feels familiar and settles well,” Kim explained. “That’s why Hetbahn and bibigo Seaweed Flakes are absolute must-haves in my luggage. I’m also a big fish eater, so bibigo Grilled Mackerel is a staple in my routine.”
CJ’s commitment doesn’t stop with Kim. As the official sponsor of the Korea Skating Union, the company actively cultivates an environment where the entire national team can focus on the ice.
The Roar of the Crowd Returns for a Third Olympic Bid
For Kim, the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics hold special significance. Having finished the 2022-2023 season as the World No. 1 in the women’s 500m, she has earned the title of “the New Ice Queen.” Unlike the Beijing Olympics, which was attended by fewer spectators, these Games mark the return of the roar of a packed live crowd for the first time in eight years.
“The prospect of facing an Olympic crowd for the first time in eight years brings more excitement than nerves,” Kim shared. “I want to stay relaxed, embrace the atmosphere of this global festival, and ensure I’m fully prepared.” Now established as a role model for the next generation, she added, “I want to push myself harder to help elevate the status of Korean speed skating.”
“Winning Olympic gold is a moment I’ve envisioned every single day since I first laced up my skates,” Kim said. “I’m determined to repay all the support I’ve received by bringing home a medal.”
With CJ’s steadfast backing, Kim Min-sun is poised for her third Olympic Games. Her final sprint toward gold unfolds in Milan on February 15.
