Stephanie Spear 
There’s one Olympian whose journey to the competition took him along I-66, just like the rest of us. Short track speedskater Brandon Kim is a Fairfax native and a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. He’s also the top-ranked American man in short track (500 m) speedskating, a fan of Korean food, and somehow, a Philadelphia Eagles fan. The Fairfax Girl caught up with Brandon as he made his way to Milan, Italy, for the Winter Games, which will take place from February 6th through 22nd, 2026, with the men’s short track speed skating events on February 16th and 18th, 2026. Read on for more with Fairfax’s own Olympian, Brandon Kim.
Brandon Kim. Image courtesy of US Speedskating.
Brandon Kim graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in 2020 and is currently a computer science student at Stanford University. In preparation for the Olympics, Brandon has taken some time off from his studies to move to Salt Lake City, Utah, where the US Speedskating Team trains. We caught up with him before he left for Milan, Italy, but after he had secured his spot on the 10-man roster for the short track races.
The Fairfax Girl: How did growing up in Northern Virginia impact your athletic success? What’s it like doing a winter sport in a not-terribly-wintery area?
Brandon Kim: Short track’s a more niche sport, and there were a few teams around the DC area (many states don’t have any teams at all), so I think that made it a bit more competitive and fun. There were also a lot of challenges. My parents commuted 1.5 hours each way so I could practice. Also, when I was younger, it was hard to get ice times, so sometimes we would skate at 4AM, and other times we would finish practice at midnight. I was skating at Potomac Speedskating Club while attending Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, so it was challenging to balance both of them, but that experience probably played a large part in shaping my Olympic journey.
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TFG: What was your age and the circumstances in which you first seriously thought that you could reach the Olympics?
BK: I first thought I could seriously reach the Olympics when was 16 years old. I was US junior champion and competed internationally at the Junior World Championship. I also competed in my first Olympic trials for the 2018 PyeongChang Games as the youngest participant.
TFG: What does it mean to you to be on the Olympic team for the USA?
BK: I’m very excited to be going to the Olympics. It’s something that I’ve worked towards for so long, and I’ve received a lot of support from my family, coaches, and teammates. I’m thankful the hard work and support have paid off.
Brandon Kim. Image courtesy of US Speedskating.
TFG: Do you have a favorite food or restaurant in Northern Virginia?
BK: I always get Korean food when I’m back home, as well as some home-cooked meals.
TFG: What do you like to do when you’re in town?
BK: I like to spend time at home, catch up with friends and family, and just relax and reset.
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TFG: What are some non-athletic goals you have for the Olympics?
BK: I’d love to explore the city, see the Duomo, meet and exchange pins with other athletes, and fully enjoy the opening and closing ceremonies.
TFG: How are you an Eagles fan having grown up in deep burgundy Commanders territory?
BK: I was born around Philly, and my dad’s from Philly, so I grew up an Eagles fan.
TFG: Are there any DMV athletes (either from the area or playing/played on local teams) that you look up to, and why?
BK: When I was in middle school, I skated with Thomas Hong, who is a 2018 PyeongChang Olympian. He was good at skating, and I was chasing him around the rink. I still ask him for advice now.
Brandon Kim. Image courtesy of US Speedskating.
TFG: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
BK: For the three years before this season, I trained for World Cup competitions while attending Stanford without an ice rink – no skating at all. I would train by lifting weights, running, biking, and doing other dryland exercises, and then fly out a few days before the World Cup competitions to compete.
TFG: How can NOVA neighbors support you at the Olympics and beyond?
BK: They can support me by following along, cheering me on, and sharing in the excitement by watching the races.
Thanks so much, Brandon! Best of luck and safe travels. We’ll all be rooting for you!
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