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Friday’s short track competition at the Milan Cortina Olympics was defined by dramatic moments, culminating in a historic success.
Team USA’s Corinne Stoddard claimed a podium finish, becoming the first American woman to medal in the event in 16 years.
Stoddard, who entered the Games ranked second in the world in short track, overcame early setbacks to win a bronze medal in the 1,500 meters. On her first day on the ice in Milan, the 24-year-old slipped three times.
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Corinne Stoddard of the United States celebrates after winning the bronze medal in the short track speed skating women’s 1500 meters at the Milan Ice Skating Arena during the Milan Cortina Olympics on February 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Stoddard regained his form and skated through the preliminary rounds with little trouble to advance to the finals. After the start of the race on Friday, South Korea’s Kim Gil-lee and Choi Min-jeong held the lead for most of the event before being overtaken by them.
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Kim and Choi won gold and silver respectively in the race. Stoddard credited his team for helping him after an early wobble.
Corinne Weth of the United States reacts after competing in the short track speed skating women’s 1500 meters at the Milan Ice Skating Arena during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games on February 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
“I think after the 1000 meters, I spent the whole day crying in bed,” she said. “I basically came through the depths of hell to get here, and I couldn’t have done it without my team and my staff and my coaches, everybody, just lifting me up. [giving] I feel confident that I can still skate the way I know how, even after so many terrible races.
Bronze medalist Corinne Stoddard of the United States celebrates on the podium during the medal ceremony of the short track speed skating women’s 1500 meters at the Milan Ice Skating Arena during the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics on February 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
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“Today was just to prove to myself that I can skate under the pressure of the Olympics and to prove to myself that I’m still me. And I did that. And I think it’s a great way to end such an awesome Olympics.”
With a bronze medal on Friday, Stoddard earned his first Olympic medal. The victory also ended a seven-year medal drought for American short track skaters.
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