Speed skating prodigy Lee Na Hyun (20, Korea National Sports University) hopes to win individual and team awards at the Harbin Winter Asian Games beginning on February 7th.
Lee has quickly become a rising star in Korean speed skating. With her recent rapid improvement, she is considered the next-generation athlete to follow in the footsteps of former speed skating queen Lee Sang-Hwa and current ace Kim Min-Sun (Uijeongbu City Hall).
In January last year, she made a sensational debut, setting a junior world record of 37.34 seconds in the 500-meter event at the ISU Speed Skating World Cup. Her meteoric rise continued in December when she dominated all events in the women’s division at the National Men’s and Women’s Sprint Speed Skating Championships.
At last month’s National Winter Sports Festival, she won the 1,000m university division with a time of 1:17.92, surpassing the previous Taereung International Skating Rink record of 1:18.52 held by Kim Min-Sun.
Following a victory in Division B at the third World Cup event in Canada, Lee has now turned her full attention to the Harbin Asian Winter Games.
In a recent interview with News1, Lee admitted, “I’m in the final stages of training, so it’s physically demanding, but my condition is gradually improving.”
Addressing her label as the “next-generation speed skating prospect,” Lee said, “I see it as a sign of the high expectations placed on me. I feel more support and encouragement than before, and I can sense the growing attention.”
When asked about the secret to her improved performances, Lee explained, “It’s been a gradual process, not an overnight success. My training volume increased, and weight training significantly improved my power and skills.”
Lee also highlighted the benefits of training and competing alongside veterans like Kim Min-sun, both on and off the ice.
“Spending time with my senior teammates before races helps calm my nerves and sharpens my focus,” Lee shared. “I’m always grateful for that.”
Lee will compete in the women’s 100m, 500m, 1000m, and team sprint events at the Asian Winter Games. Experts believe she will be a strong medal contender if she can maintain her recent form.
Lee confidently stated, “My goal is to win medals in individual and team events. It’s not an impossible goal; I believe it’s within reach if I prepare well. I’ve been training with this mindset since the start of the season.”
As she wrapped up the interview, Lee declared, “This being my first Asian Winter Games, I’m determined to bring home a medal. I hope to finish the competition strong and carry that momentum into the rest of the year.”
