Stanford's Brandon Kim Eliminated After Short Track Crash

Team USA speed skater penalized for contact in 500m event at Milan Cortina Olympics

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Stanford University student Brandon Kim, competing in his first Winter Olympics, crashed during his heat in the men's short track speed skating 500m event at the Milan Cortina Games. Though Kim crossed the line second, he was later penalized for making contact from behind during the heat, putting him last and eliminating him from the quarterfinals.

Why it matters

Short track speed skating is a high-intensity, high-risk Olympic event, with frequent crashes and penalties. Kim's elimination highlights the challenges and unpredictability that athletes face in this competitive sport on the world's biggest stage.

The details

In Heat 7 of the men's 500m short track event, 24-year-old Brandon Kim of Team USA crashed but still managed to finish second, which would have been enough to advance to the quarterfinals. However, after video review, officials penalized Kim for making contact from behind during the heat, putting him in last place and eliminating him from the competition.

  • Kim crashed during his heat on Monday, February 16, 2026.
  • After the heat, officials reviewed video and penalized Kim, putting him out of contention.

The players

Brandon Kim

A 24-year-old speed skater representing Team USA who is a student at Stanford University, competing in his first Winter Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“Short track is an incredibly intense and unpredictable event. Unfortunately, crashes and penalties are part of the sport at this level.”

— Brandon Kim

What’s next

Kim will look to bounce back and compete in future Olympic Games, as this was his first appearance on the world's biggest winter sports stage.

The takeaway

Brandon Kim's elimination from the men's 500m short track event at the Milan Cortina Olympics underscores the risks and challenges faced by athletes in this high-intensity sport, where a single crash or penalty can end a competitor's dreams of a medal.