South Korean men’s figure skating standout Cha Jun-hwan said he delivered the best Olympic result in the country’s history — fourth place at his third Olympics — while dealing with a painful right ankle injury.
After an official practice session on Feb. 18 (Korea time) at the Milan Ice Skating Arena’s training rink, the 25-year-old Seoul Metropolitan Government skater told reporters his condition had been worse than it appeared.
“My right ankle, around the ankle bone, was in such bad shape that it had fluid buildup,” Cha said.
He said the pain intensified during a recent skate change because the boot pressed on his ankle. “I was getting treatment while it was swollen with fluid, and it ended up stiffening while still swollen,” he said. “But I approached it thinking I had to endure somehow until the Olympics, and I didn’t show it for psychological stability.”
Cha said that after finishing the free skate, the tension lifted and he came down with a severe cold and body aches. “It’s a good thing I got sick after everything was over,” he said with a smile.
Cha’s effort also drew praise from a special visitor: Martina Corgnati, the daughter of late Italian singer Milva, whose original song “Ballad for a Madman” Cha used for his free skate. Corgnati visited Korea House to express thanks.
In a video message, she said, “If my mother, who passed away five years ago, had seen it, she would have been moved.” She added, “The way he got back up after falling during the performance and continued was sublime. I was touched by how deeply he connected with the music.”
Cha replied, “I never imagined this, so I’m surprised and grateful. Performing to that piece actually gave me strength. I really think I made the right choice changing the music.”
Cha is set to skate in the Feb. 22 gala show to “Not a dream” by Korean traditional vocalist Song So-hee. He said the word that runs through his skating is “freedom,” and called it a Korean-style piece that expresses that well.
He was cautious about what comes next. On the world championships after the Olympics, Cha said he is considering whether to compete given his ankle condition. Asked about a bid for the 2030 Alps Olympics, he said he needs time to regroup.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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