Lee Sang-hwa

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Rankings

Records

Lee Sang-hwa's career is defined by her Olympic dominance and world-record-setting performance. She is one of only a few female speed skaters to win back-to-back Olympic golds in the 500 meters. Her world record of 36.36 seconds stood for over five years, a testament to her extraordinary power and technique. She is widely regarded as the greatest 500-meter skater of her generation, often compared to the legendary Bonnie Blair.

AwardsLee Sang-hwa won two Olympic gold medals in the 500 meters (2010, 2014) and one Olympic silver (2018). She also won the World Sprint Championship in 2010 and three World Championship medals in the 500 meters.

Rankings & Lists

Greatest Female 500m Speed Skater of All Time

Reddit·2025

Records & Feats

World Record in 500m (36.36 seconds)

World Record·2013

Set at Salt Lake City on November 16, 2013; stood for over five years.

Back-to-Back Olympic Gold in 500m

Olympic Achievement·2014

Won gold in 2010 and 2014, one of few women to achieve this.

South Korean Record in 1000m

National Record·2009

Held from March 2009 to January 2024, nearly 15 years.