The International Skating Union (ISU) celebrated the season’s achievements of Short Track’s top athletes at the inaugural ISU Short Track Awards, held in Montreal on Sunday March 15, 2026, following the ISU CNSG Short Track World Championships.

The Ceremony marked the first time the ISU has introduced a dedicated Awards program for Short Track, celebrating the athletes whose performances defined the 2025/26 season.

Throughout the season, competitors delivered outstanding racing across the ISU Short Track World Tour and on the sport’s biggest stage at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, showcasing the speed, precision and competitive spirit that make Short Track such a thrilling discipline for fans worldwide.

Acknowledging the achievements of the season ISU President Jae Youl Kim said: “This celebration is for our athletes, who are the heart and soul of Short Track. Over the past two years, the ISU has worked hard to modernize the sport, including the launch of the Short Track World Tour. Our goal is to elevate the visibility of Short Track and showcase the incredible skill, speed and excitement that these athletes bring to the ice.”

Most Improved Skater – Thomas Nadalini (ITA)

This Award recognizes the athlete who has made the most significant progression in performance and results over the course of the season.

Italy’s Thomas Nadalini enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, opening the season with a series of A Final appearances on the ISU Short Track World Tour. He secured his first career World Tour medal with silver in the 1500m in Gdańsk, Poland.

Thomas Nadalini of Italy competes in Men’s 1500m Final A race during the 2025 ISU Short Track World Tour  in Gdansk, Poland.© ISU

Nadalini was also part of Italy’s historic success at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, helping the team claim gold in the Mixed Relay and bronze in the Men’s Relay.

The 23-year-old then elevated himself even higher at the 2026 ISU CNSG Short Track World Championships, winning a brilliant silver in the men’s 1500m - his first major individual medal - while also contributing to Italy’s gold in the Mixed Relay and bronze in the Men’s Relay. 

Thomas Nadalini (ITA) receiving the Most Improved Skater Award at the ISU Short Track Awards in Montreal, Canada. © ISU

“It feels good, for once I can stop telling myself I can always do more and be satisfied with what I have done,” Nadalini said in Montreal. “I worked really hard for this but I wouldn’t be an Olympic champion, I wouldn’t be a World Championship medallist without my team. I feel so lucky. I’m trying to take all of this as an experience and let’s see what comes next.”

Best Newcomer – Rim Jongun (KOR)

This Award is presented to a skater new to the senior circuit who has made an immediate impact at the highest level.

Rim Jongun enjoyed a sensational debut season with the Korean White Tigers. He introduced himself with a stunning victory in the 1500m at the opening leg of the ISU Short Track World Tour in Montreal.

Jongun Rim of Korea waiving during the 2025 ISU Short Track World Tour  in Gdansk, Poland. © ISU

Jongun continued to build momentum throughout the season, including a victory in the 1000m at the final World Tour stop in Dordrecht, Netherlands.

Rim carried that form into the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, where he claimed bronze in the 1000m.

The 18-year-old then capped an extraordinary first season on the senior stage by grabbing two gold medals in the 1000m and 1500m at the 2026 ISU CNSG Short Track World Championships. 

Rim Jongun (KOR) receiving the Best Newcomer Award at the ISU Short Track Awards in Montreal, Canada. © ISU

“Thankfully, I was able to compete in the World Tour, the Olympics, and the World Championships, even though it was my first season racing at the senior level,” Rim said. “With the experiences I gained this season, I hope to race with more confidence and continue improving.” 

World Record - Xandra Velzeboer (NED)

Xandra Velzeboer etched her name into the record books this season when she broke her own world record in the 500m during the Olympic semi-finals at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

Xandra Velzeboer (NED) during the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games in Milan, Italy. © ISU

Her time of 41.399 seconds set a new benchmark for the sport and further cemented her status as one of the fastest athletes in Short Track history. Velzeboer was also the first Short Track athlete to receive a World Record ring presented by ISU President Jae Youl Kim at the Home of Skating in Milan. 

Xandra Velzeboer (NED) receiving a World Record Ring from ISU President Jae Youl Kim at the ISU Home of Skating in Milan, Italy. © ISU

Xandra Velzeboer (NED) receiving the World Record Award at the ISU Short Track Awards in Montreal, Canada. © ISU

Relay World Champions

• Women: Netherlands (Selma Poutsma, Xandra Velzeboer, Michelle Velzeboer, Zoe Florence Deltrap)
• Men: Canada (Maxime Laoun, William Dandjinou, Felix Roussel, Steven Dubois, Jordan Pierre-Gilles)
• Mixed: Italy (Elisa Confortola, Pietro Sighel, Chiara Betti, Thomas Nadalini)

Relay World Champions posing at the ISU Short Track Awards in Montreal, Canada. © ISU

Individual World Champions

Women: 

• 500m: Xandra Velzeboer (NED)
• 1000m: Gilli Kim (KOR)
• 1500m: Gilli Kim (KOR)

Kim Gilli (KOR) receiving the World Champion (Woman) Award (1000 + 1500m) at the ISU Short Track Awards in Montreal, Canada. © ISU

Men:

• 500m: Steven Dubois (CAN)
• 1000m: Jongun Rim (KOR)
• 1500m: Jongun Rim (KOR)

Steven Dubois (CAN) receiving the World Champion (Man) Award (500m) at the ISU Short Track Awards in Montreal, Canada. © ISU

Crystal Globe Winners

Canada dominated the ISU Short Track World Tour during the 2025/26 season, claiming all three Crystal Globes. 

Courtney Sarault secured the Women’s Crystal Globe, while William Dandjinou captured the Men’s Crystal Globe after a series of consistent podium finishes throughout the season. 

Courtney Sarault and William Dandjinou of Canada pose for a photo with the ISU Crystal Globe trophy after ceremony during the 2025/26 ISU Short Track World Tour  in Dordrecht, Netherlands. © ISU

Courtney Sarault and William Dandjinou of (CAN) honored as the Crystal Globe Winners at the ISU Short Track Awards in Montreal, Canada. © ISU

Team Canada also claimed the Team Crystal Globe, underlining the nation’s strength and depth across the World Tour.

 Team Canada posing with ISU Crystal Globe Trophy at the ISU Short Track World Tour #6 in Milan, Italy.© ISU