Chung Jae-won 2026 Winter Olympics: Chasing Third Straight Medal in Milan-Cortina

At just 24, most athletes are dreaming of their first Olympic call-up. But South Korean speed skater Chung Jae-won is already preparing for his third consecutive Winter Olympics. As the 2026 Milan-Cortina games approach next month, Chung's set his sights on a historic third straight medal, transitioning from a young prodigy to a seasoned master of the ice.

Chung Jae-won 2026 Winter Olympics: Tactical Shift to Mass Start

According to Yonhap, Chung has made a bold strategic move for Italy. He's dropping the team pursuit from his schedule to focus exclusively on the mass start. It's a calculated decision designed to maximize his energy for his strongest event. "I'll be up against some great skaters," Chung told reporters during a recent session in Seoul. "But I also have a ton of experience, and I'm pretty confident."

Chung's Olympic legacy began at 16 during the 2018 PyeongChang Games, where he became South Korea's youngest speed skating medalist with a silver in the team pursuit. He followed that up with another silver in the 2022 Beijing mass start. Now, he's looking to complete the trilogy of podium finishes in Milan-Cortina.

Battling Global Veterans and Rising Stars

The competition's fierce. Chung currently sits 4th in the overall World Cup standings after winning two silver medals in four appearances this season. He's chasing a trio of European veterans, including the Netherlands' Jorrit Bergsma and Belgium's Bart Swings. Meanwhile, the 21-year-old American sensation Jordan Stolz has emerged as a massive threat after winning the most recent title in Norway.