Viktor An

Viktor An, born on November 23, 1985, is a retired short-track speed skater and current coach, renowned for his extraordinary achievements in the sport. Originally from South Korea, An has made a significant mark in the world of short-track speed skating, amassing a total of eight Olympic medals, including six gold and two bronze. He is celebrated as the only athlete in Olympic history to secure gold in every distance and the first to earn a medal in every distance at a single Games.

His illustrious career includes three gold medals from the 2006 Winter Olympics and another three from the 2014 Winter Olympics, making him the holder of the most Olympic gold medals in short track speed skating. An's accolades extend beyond the Olympics; he is a six-time overall World champion and a two-time overall World Cup winner, showcasing his dominance in the sport from 2003 to 2014.

In 2008, An faced a setback due to a knee injury, which hindered his recovery in time for the Vancouver 2010 qualifiers. Following a slow recovery and the dissolution of his South Korean team, he became a Russian citizen in 2011, aiming to continue his Olympic aspirations. His decision to represent Russia was met with mixed reactions, but he ultimately won gold at the Sochi Olympics, justifying his choice to seek a better training environment.

After retiring in April 2020, An returned to South Korea in 2023, seeking to contribute to the sport as a coach. However, his past decisions led to public scrutiny, particularly regarding his coaching role in the Chinese team during the 2022 Winter Olympics. Despite facing significant opposition, An clarified his intentions and contributions, stating that he had donated his Olympic pension to support children in need and junior players. His recent appointment as a coach in the national team trials marks a new chapter in his career, as he aims to inspire the next generation of skaters.