Corinne Stoddard battled back from a brutal day on the ice to take bronze in the women’s 1,500m short-track final at the Milano Cortina Olympics on Feb. 20, 2026 — a result that snapped a long U.S. drought in individual women’s short-track Olympic medals.
A tense, tactical final
The race at Milano Ice Skating Arena was tight from the gun. South Korea’s Kim Gilli and teammate Choi Min‑jeong traded the initiative in the closing laps; Kim sealed the win with an outside pass on the penultimate circuit, Choi held on for silver, and Stoddard produced a late, perfectly timed surge to nudge onto the podium by fractions of a second.
Stoddard’s medal mattered for more than placement. At 24, she had fallen three times earlier in the day and left the 1,000m event emotionally shaken — she later described her mindset as climbing “from the depths of hell.” Coaches, teammates and support staff kept her focused between races, and she translated that recovery into composed, strategic skating when it counted.
How the race unfolded
– Early laps: Stoddard skated near the front for much of the race, setting a brisk pace and staying visible to control lines.
– Two laps to go: Choi accelerated, forcing rivals to react. Kim matched the move and completed a decisive outside pass shortly after.
– Finish: Under pressure, Stoddard steadied herself and unleashed a powerful closing sprint to secure third.
No protests or disqualifications were lodged after the final; officials are conducting routine reviews centered on race conduct and athlete safety.
Broader context and key takeaways
– Medal significance: This is Stoddard’s first Olympic medal and the first individual Olympic podium by a U.S. woman in short-track in 16 years, ending a seven-year U.S. podium drought in the discipline.
– Team and mental edge: The result highlighted how quick psychological recovery, team support and tactical discipline can be as decisive as raw speed in short-track.
– Event drama: The evening featured multiple crashes and medical responses. Poland’s Kamila Sellier was clipped and immobilized on the ice before being removed for evaluation; medical teams attended other skaters as well. Italian veteran Arianna Fontana, coping with back pain, finished fifth.
– Other results: The Netherlands took the men’s 5,000m relay, adding to their strong short-track haul.
What officials are doing now
Race jury and medical officials continue standard post-race reviews focused on collisions, conduct and safety protocols. No changes to the medal standings have been announced.
What to watch next
Expect statements from team medical staff and national federations as evaluations finish. Meanwhile, Stoddard’s bronze gives the U.S. a fresh storyline in short-track heading into the remainder of the Games.