Haein Lee: “I want to continue my skating career for a long time. I’ll keep challenging myself, including working on the triple axel I’ve been training recently.”
Haein Lee on her Olympic debut
original source: yna.co.kr dd. 20th February 2026 by Kim Kyung-yoon
South Korean figure skater Haein Lee finished eighth in her Olympic debut at the Milano-Cortina Games, expressing pride in her performance and determination to continue her career toward future championships and the 2030 Olympics. Here’s a translation of her comments.
After the event, in the mixed zone, she said, “I was more nervous than during the short program, but I finished calmly, so I’m proud of myself. When I performed, I thought of it as my own time and tried to enjoy every moment as much as possible.”
“I’ve been increasing my off-ice training to build stamina,” she explained. “Gradually, I’ve gained more endurance for the second half, and I think it paid off in today’s performance.”
After her skate, Lee lay on the ice with a big smile, satisfied.
“It was a sense of relief that I didn’t make mistakes,” she said. “I think that’s why I naturally relaxed and showed that side of myself.”
Ahead of this competition, Lee worked hard to let go of nerves and pressure. After arriving in Milan, she calmed herself by drawing and writing in her journal, her hobbies.
“After my last practice today, the sunset was beautiful on the way back to the hotel,” she shared. “I wrote while looking at the sunset, and it made me feel at peace.”
She added, “I also finished drawings of my fellow athletes. I tried not to think only about the competition, and I think that helped me perform more comfortably.”
Lee also said, “My mom came to watch me today, and I’m so grateful for all the support she’s given me. Now that the competition is over, I’m going to have gelato with her.”
Lee’s figure skating journey is not over. She will compete at the ISU World Championships next month and plans to aim for the 2030 Alps Winter Olympics.
“I want to continue my skating career for a long time,” she said. “I’ll keep challenging myself, including working on the triple axel I’ve been training recently.”
Related topics: Haein Lee, Olympic Games
Leave a Reply