Kim Yuna, the epitome of grace and resilience on the ice, opens up about the raw emotions behind her stellar performances during her competitive career.
In a recent interview with JTBC, the legendary figure skater Kim Yuna candidly shared, “People have always referred to me as having an 'iron mentality' or being 'strong-hearted' since the early days. While I was able to stay composed and achieve great results in critical moments, maintaining mental strength and a bit of luck, as a human, it was inevitable to experience nervousness.”
Fifteen years ago, on February 26, 2010, Kim Yuna made history by scoring an astounding 150.06 points in the free skating segment at the Vancouver Olympics. Combining this with her score from the short program, she reached an unprecedented total of 228.56 points, securing the gold medal and marking South Korea’s debut Olympic gold in figure skating. Recalling this momentous occasion, Kim Yuna confessed, “Looking back now, I was actually trembling inside. Even exuding confidence was a strategic part of the intense competition atmosphere.”
Despite retiring 11 years ago, Kim Yuna revealed that she still grapples with recurring dreams of plummeting from great heights while asleep. She disclosed, “I believe those worries, anxieties, and fears have become deeply rooted in me and persist subconsciously.”
Touching on the contentious judging at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, where she clinched the silver medal amid widespread belief that she deserved the gold, Kim Yuna shared a poignant memory. During the emotional awards ceremony, SBS commentator Bang Sang Ah expressed gratitude, saying, “Thank you, you know that? You’re the best,” prompting Kim Yuna to break down in tears. However, she clarified, “Despite many interpreting my tears as disappointment and bitterness over the outcome, that wasn’t the case. With the gold already secured in Vancouver, I felt there was no greater pinnacle left to conquer. I lacked the drive and energy to strive beyond that point.” She went on to explain, “The journey had been incredibly arduous, and it felt like an immense burden had finally been lifted. Those tears were a release of pent-up emotions after enduring it all.”
Kim Yuna, the former pride of South Korea in figure skating, claimed gold at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and silver at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Throughout her illustrious career, she shattered 11 world records and achieved the remarkable feat of an ‘All Podium’ record, a first in a century for female figure skaters, placing in every competition she entered. Her legacy was further solidified by completing the Grand Slam, conquering all major titles, including the Olympics, World Championships, Grand Prix Final, and Four Continents Championships.
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