Kim duo golden on first day of short track speed skating

Korea impressively demonstrated its superiority in short track speed skating at the Palavela ice rink on Tuesday, 21 January, as the sport kicked off its three-day competition at the Torino 2025 FISU World University Games.

There was no way around the skating powerhouse on the day as the Koreans claimed all six medals up for grabs in the women’s and men’s 1500 m finals.

The domination was reminiscent of the Lake Placid 2023 FISU Games, where the Asian nation won seven out of eight short track events and captured 16 out of a possible 24 medals.

Kim Gilli the rising star

All eyes were on Kim Gilli on Tuesday. Even before the Games in Torino, the 20-year-old from Korea University – Sejong Campus announced that she wanted to win gold in every event in which she was set to compete.

Gilli took the first step towards that lofty goal in the women’s 1500, triumphing in 2:37.614 ahead of teammates Seo Whimin (2:37.985) and Kim Geonhee (2:38.302).

Two years ago, she made her debut in the World Cup as an 18-year-old. In a very short time, she has established herself on the international stage and is now one of the world’s best in the sport, as confirmed by her current world number two ranking.

One might think there is a lot of pressure on the young student-athlete. “Not really, when the race starts, the tension disappears, so I feel at ease,” she said.

Kim Gilli is regarded as the rising star on the short track scene, and when asked what she does differently from others, she offered, “I learned a lot and grew up every time I take the ice. Experience seems to be the driving force behind my growth.”

Although she herself is now a role model for many little girls and boys, Gilli still looks up to great athletes. “Ariana Fontana is an incredible skater. I grew up watching her on the TV. During the races she is for me the one to beat but I still have much to learn from her.”

Taesung defends FISU title

In the men’s A final, Kim Taesung defended his title from Lake Placid 2023, clocking (2:27.775. “I’m happy that I won the 1500 metres for the second time in a row. I didn’t expect it, but trained so that the results matched my effort,” reflected the student from Dankook University – Cheonan Campus.

The podium was completed by his compatriots, Lee Donghyun (2:27.948) in second place and Bae Seochan (2:28.087),. “As it is my second participation [in the FISU Games], I wanted it to be a stage where we all played together. I’m happy we can share this moment together,” said the happy winner.

Taesung also has clear goals for the upcoming Torino 2025 races. “If I continue to do my best until the end, I think I’ll be able to get a gold medal in all events.” After his demonstration of power in the 1500, hardly anyone doubts this.

Short track speed skating continues in Torino on Wednesday, 22 January with finals in the women’s and men’s 500 m races, as well as the mixed team relay.

The take place from 13-23 January. Watch all the competitions live on Click on the link to find the full schedule.

Written by Elena Häfliger, FISU Young Reporter, Switzerland

The Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s commitment to more than sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a group of talented aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the competition.

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