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Short track gold medalist Kim Gil-li cruises in new lane as Chanel Beauty model

Published: 02 Mar. 2026, 12:29 Updated: 02 Mar. 2026, 17:06

Short track speed skater Kim Gil-li celebrates after winning gold in the women's 1,500-meter final of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in Milan on Feb. 20. [EPA/YONHAP]

Short track speed skater Kim Gil-li began a new chapter in her career on the back of two gold medals at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, as Chanel Beauty selected her as a global model alongside leading female athletes from around the world.

Kim posted part of a video released by Chanel Beauty on her social media account on Sunday. The clip features training scenes and photo shoots of several international sports stars.

Chanel selected female athletes who compete at the highest level in their respective sports. The lineup includes former Women’s National Basketball Association player Renee Montgomery, diver Gabriela Agundez, pole vaulter Marie-Julie Bonnin and swimmer Sum Yuet Cindy Cheung.

From Korea, sport climber Kim Ja-in and Kim Gil-li joined the campaign. Kim Gil-li stands out as the only winter sports athlete among the selections.

Kim won gold medals in the women’s 1,500 meters and women’s 3,000-meter relay at the 2026 Winter Olympics. She also claimed bronze in the women’s 1,000 meters, finishing her first Olympics with three medals.

With her rise to prominence during the Games, fans coined the nickname “LamborGil-li,” a combination of her given name and Lamborghini, likening her explosive speed to that of the supercar brand.

Short track speed skater Kim Gil-li leaves Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 in Incheon on Feb. 24 in a Lamborghini after returning to Korea. [YONHAP]

When Kim returned to Korea on Feb. 24, Lamborghini sent an Urus SUV to pick her up at the airport and drive her home.

“Kim Gil-li, the only double gold medalist [for Korea] at the Olympics, is receiving advertising offers from across the industry,” a representative from the skating community said. “She has proven her skill and her star power, and her popularity will likely continue to rise."

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY KO BONG-JUN [[email protected]]