Milano Cortina 2026: Teenager Yunji Kim makes history with gold for Republic of Korea

Yunji Kim is a rising star in Para biathlon, shooting to the top of the podium on her Paralympic Games debut.

Kim won gold in the women’s individual sitting event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, on International Women’s Day, 8 March. The 19-year-old's feat was even more notable as it marked the first ever individual women’s medal in the Paralympic Winter Games for Republic of Korea. 

“It’s my first Paralympics, my second race and my first Paralympic medal. And gold medal," Kim said. "I can’t believe it. I think I’m in a dream. I’m so thankful to get a gold medal. 

“It shows the Korean team have the power to get the medals, and I hope it makes us improve for the next Paralympic Games.” 

Tightly contested race

Kim, who was one of Republic of Korea’s flagbearers in the Opening Ceremony, faced a strong field, skiing against the USA’s most decorated Winter Paralympian, Oksana Masters, who had won gold the day before in the women’s sitting sprint.

The 12.5km race was hotly contested. Despite two shooting penalties in the second bout, Kim finished the race in 38:00.01, 12.8 seconds ahead of veteran German biathlete Anja Wicker. Kendall Gretsch of the USA took bronze, while Masters was edged off the podium.  

Gretsch, who had taken silver in the sprint the previous day, appreciated the competition. 

“The race today was a tough race for sure, a really long race,” she said. “Kim and Wicker were really, really fast and made it a really close race.”

Female talent blossoming

Wicker foresees a bright future for Kim.

“She can get even stronger,” said the four-time Paralympian. “The jump from last year to this year from her was incredible. She’s super strong. The first time I saw her I was like, ‘Wow, she’s super strong.’

“Women are awesome. Women are really strong, and it’s incredible the supportive field we have. I’m super happy for Kim, she’s super happy for me. Women supporting women is the most important thing.

“I love seeing more women up there competing with me for medals.” 

Gretsch echoed the sentiment.

“It’s always cool to see the sport grow,” she said. “Especially on the women’s side of the field, we have smaller fields, so getting growth and depth on the field is really exciting.” 

A rising star

Kim only started skiing in 2020, for rehabilitation. But she was soon hooked on both the sport and its possibilities.  

“I like the environment of the cross-country courses, and that I get to see different courses in different countries,” she said.

Kim was already competing in the Para Nordic Skiing World Championships 2023 and is improving fast.

“I didn’t know I could compete [at this level],” she admitted. “In the last few years, I was coming fourth or fifth in races. It’s in this last season that I’ve improved a lot.

“I didn’t know I could be a Paralympian when I started this sport, and then I got the Paralympic belief, and now I’m a Paralympian, and a medallist.” 

Kim will compete next in Para cross-country. Competition starts on 10 March at Tereso Cross-Country Stadium. 

“I’ll try my best to show my efforts in the next days,” she said. “Cross-country is my favourite – biathlon is fun but I like cross-country a little bit more.”

Given her gold medal at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2025 in the sprint sitting classic, there’s every reason to believe Kim could excel in her favourite sport. 

Where to watch and listen to the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games

Secure your tickets for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games  

Milano Cortina 2026, which takes place from 6-15 March 2026, is set to be the most beautiful Paralympic Winter Games yet. Ticket prices start at EUR 10 for children under 14, with approximately 89 per cent of the tickets available for EUR 35 or less.

For more information, please visit tickets.milanocortina2026.org