The Torino 2025 FISU World University Games showcased thrilling moments on the second day of competition in short track speed skating, maintaining the excitement set on the inaugural day. Held at the renowned Palavela venue, the event reiterated Korea’s dominance by clinching victories in all three finals: the men’s and women’s 500 meters, as well as the mixed team relay. With the spotlight shining on the Korean athletes, the arena was equally vibrant with participants from various nations, each sportsman and sportswoman bringing unique stories to the forefront.
Among those athletes was Hungary’s Peter Jaszapati, who arrived at the FISU Games fresh from the European Championships. Unfortunately, his aspirations of medaling in the 500 meters were dashed after a fall during the second round. At just 21 years of age, Peter, a student at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, was inspired to take up skating by his older sister, Petra, who is five years his senior and an accomplished short track competitor. His journey into the sport began at the tender age of five when his grandparents introduced him to the ice rink.
Just days earlier, Peter and Petra had both competed at the European Championships in Dresden, Germany. While Peter marked his second appearance in the competition and finished in eighth place in the 1000 meters—an improvement from his fifth-place finish the previous year—his sister made a significant breakthrough by becoming the European champion in the 500 meters for the first time in her career. Following this achievement, Peter hurried to the FISU Games, where he will have an opportunity to enhance his performance in the 1000 meters on Thursday, January 23. On the first day of short track events, he reached the semi-finals in the 1500 meters and also participated in the mixed relay final alongside his Hungarian teammates.
Despite the presence of an accomplished sibling, Peter clarified that he and Petra refrain from comparing their achievements. “It’s two different situations,” he said, acknowledging the advantages of having an older sister in the same sport. He credited her success as a guiding force, providing a benchmark for his own aspirations. “I’m just happy that she is successful, and we don’t like to compare,” he added, emphasizing that their discussions regarding skating are primarily confined to the ice rink. They lend support to one another during tough competition days but maintain a balanced perspective on their sporting endeavors.
Korea’s talented athletes did not falter on this day, particularly with Kim Gilli, a 20-year-old student from Korea University – Sejong Campus, who topped the women’s 500 A final with a remarkable time of 44.717 seconds. She was followed closely by Weiying Hao from China and her compatriot Seo Whimin. In the men’s category, 23-year-old Kim Taesung from Dankook University-cheonan campus emerged victorious, finishing in 40.865 seconds, edging out Japan’s Shogo Miyata and compatriot Lee Donghyun.
The mixed team relay final saw Korea solidifying its formidable reputation, crossing the finish line at 2:44.42—again with a sizable lead over their competitors from China and Kazakhstan. Both Gilli and Taesung, part of this winning relay team, have now amassed three gold medals each during these Games, continuing from their earlier victories in the 1500 meters. Lee Donghyun similarly celebrated his third medal of the event, showcasing an impressive variety of achievements.
With the conclusion of day two, Korea amassed a total of 11 medals, including five golds, leaving a mark reminiscent of their outstanding performance in Lake Placid 2023, where they claimed 16 medals out of 27 contested. The short track speed skating events in Torino will culminate on Thursday, coinciding with the Games’ closing ceremony, featuring final races in the men’s and women’s 1000 meters, as well as the men’s 5000 and women’s 3000 relays.
The invaluable Young Reporters Programme at FISU exemplifies a commitment that transcends sporting competition, as aspiring sports journalists are afforded opportunities to cover these grand events, enriching their experience and skills through real-world engagement.
