MILAN, ITALY. — Eunice Lee, a Senior at Duke University, is set to represent Team USA in short track speed skating at the upcoming Olympics, starting February 14. While many college students juggle classes and internships, Lee is balancing rigorous studies with her pursuit of Olympic dreams.
In a recent interview with US Speedskating, Lee shared, “I hold myself to high standards academically. My focus is on my studies and maintaining my training while staying healthy.” She’s pursuing a pre-med track, majoring in chemistry and biology, which shows how her passion for science mirrors her dedication to sports.
Speed skating has been a family affair for the Lee family. Eunice’s sister, Grace, is also a member of the U.S. short track team. Eunice was born in San Diego and spent much of her childhood in Bellevue, Washington, while also living in South Korea for two years. Skating has always been a constant in her life. Choosing Duke was strategic; it offered the best support for balancing her athletic and academic commitments.
Eunice competes in the women’s 3,000-meter relay. This event requires endurance, speed, and precision. Discussing her love for speed skating, she noted, “I enjoy the strategy involved. There’s more I can control, unlike just being the fastest.”
At just 17, Lee began her Olympic journey as a relay alternate for the Team USA short track team at the Beijing Games in 2022. Although she didn’t compete, the experience fueled her ambition for the Milan Olympics. In the lead-up to the 2024 World Championships, she played a key role in helping her team win a silver medal—the first for American women in that event since 2012.
Unfortunately, her next season was cut short by a serious ankle injury that sidelined her for around nine months. But during her recovery, Lee dug deeper into understanding her body and its reactions while skating. This knowledge proved useful as she returned to competition, helping her team qualify for the Milan Cortina 2026 Games by securing a third-place finish in the 2025-2026 ISU Short Track World Tour in Dordrecht, Netherlands.
This Olympic journey reflects more than just athletic prowess. Lee’s experience also highlights the balance of academic and athletic life that many student-athletes face today, offering a glimpse into the hard work and dedication it takes to succeed at both levels.
As fans await her Olympic events, here are some key timings to watch Eunice compete in the Women’s 3,000 meter speed skating relay:
- Semifinals: February 14 at 4 p.m. ET
- Final B: February 18 at 2:50 p.m. ET
- Final A: February 18 at 2:59 p.m. ET
Eunice Lee embodies resilience and determination, paving the way for aspiring athletes who must find their own balance between dreams and reality. For more on her journey and insights about the Olympics, you can explore this USA Speedskating page.
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