Figure skating, ISU CS Kinoshita Group Cup 2025: Lee Haein on Milano Cortina 2026 dream – ‘If I could make it, then maybe it’s the happiest thing in my life’
At one point last year, Lee Haein was not in a good place. Facing immense pressure, this 20-year-old rising star from the Republic of Korea found her career hanging in the balance. However, after overcoming significant obstacles, Lee has re-established her focus on figure skating with aspirations aimed directly at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
“It’s so hard,” Lee shared in an interview prior to competing at the inaugural Kinoshita Challenge Cup. “If I could make it to the Olympics, then maybe it’s the most happy thing in my life.” Dreams of gliding onto the Olympic ice resound deeply for her, echoing memories of her idol, Kim Yuna.
Lee’s challenges escalated last summer when she faced a three-year suspension from the Korea Skating Union over alleged misconduct, casting a shadow on her Olympic hopes. Fortunately, the suspension was overturned, allowing her a chance to return to competition. While she missed the Grand Prix season, Lee showcased her resilience by qualifying for the Four Continents Championships, finishing eighth, followed by an impressive sixth in the South Korean nationals, securing her ticket for the World Championships in Boston.
Reflecting on her tumultuous journey, Lee expressed relief and renewed passion for the sport. “I realized again that figure skating is the most important thing in my life,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to her craft.
As she prepares to launch her Olympic campaign at the Kinoshita Group Cup, Lee is also set to participate in Challenger Series events. With an aim for further competitions, including the Grand Prix, she is open to growth and improvement. “I try to focus on this moment – the present,” she noted, illustrating her shifting mindset after previous pressures.
However, regardless of the season’s outcome, Lee is grateful for the journey toward the Olympics. “I will continue to skate,” she affirmed. This resilient athlete finds comfort in her dreams, with the ice serving as both a canvas and sanctuary amid triumphs and trials.
