Need for speed: Korean relay makes long track history

The long track speed skating mixed team relay was contested for the first time in FISU World University Games history on Thursday and it was South Korea etching its name into the record books at the Lake Placid Olympic Oval.

Minsun Kim and Hyunjun Ahn completed the historic nine-country race in 3:10.84, ahead of Japan (3:12.03) and Spain (3:12.14).

“It was really fun and I enjoyed it a lot,” were Minsun’s first feelings after winning her third medal at Lake Placid 2023. “I think individual performance is important, but I would say 50/50 teamwork is as important for the mixed relay.”

“Minsun gave us a good lead as my partner. It was great teamwork,” added Hyunjun. “I already competed in four events, and I have another one tomorrow, so I feel a little bit tired, but I’m going to get ready for tomorrow.”

It was the second triumph of the day for Kim, who captured gold in the women’s 500m in the morning thanks to a time of 38.53, shattering the previous standard set back in 1987 by US legend Bonnie Blair.

Moe Kumagai of Japan (39.41) and Chaeun Park, also of Korea (40.01), rounded out the podium.

“I thought I could possibly have the track record,” Kim said. “With the outdoor rink, there are so many unexpected changes to the conditions, so I was not sure about breaking the record. But I broke it and I’m very happy.”

The track record also fell in the men’s 500, courtesy of Japan’s Wataru Morishige (35.30), who erased the previous mark set by American William Gebauer at last year’s FISU world championship.

Japanese teammate Kazuya Yamada (35.84) and Poland’s Marek Kania (35.99) claimed silver and bronze.

“The 500m event is my favourite discipline. I worked hard to prepare for today’s race, so I’m happy to get the gold medal,” said Morishige, the reigning Olympic bronze medallist in the event. “Our team is very young and as a captain, I’m happy to lead it and win as well as have my teammate on the podium with me.”

“The next Olympics is in three years, so I have time to prepare. I’m going to keep working hard.”

The Lake Placid 2023 long track competition comes to an end on Friday with the women’s and men’s mass start finals.

Written by Miha Trošt, FISU Young Reporter

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