A biography for Kim Yunahasn’t been written yet.
“L.A. is a city that has given me great support for skating.”
“The popularity of figure skating has increased tremendously, and Koreans have a huge interest in figure skaters - not only me, other international skaters as well.”
“Building a better life for every child is a lot harder than becoming a world champion. Both goals take dedication and commitment.”
“A coach told my mum I had talent and I would make a very good skater.”
“Korean audiences are amazing. The fans scream so loud, and that really surprises skaters when they first perform in my shows.”
“What I miss the most is chatting with my friends and family and having a good laugh over a simple meal.”
“Because winning a gold medal had been a dream of mine since a young age, I needed to empty my mind during the preparation for the Olympics by telling myself that it would be OK not to win a gold medal.”
“The thought of having the expectations of the whole country on my shoulders worried and unnerved me.”
“I get tired too, just like everybody else. Sometimes I tell people that, but all I get is people saying that being vulnerable and weak is just not like me. I rarely get the response of emotional support I want. But sometimes I need it.”
“I am not trying my best because it is the Olympics. I try my best always.”
“To many, peace is what enables development and is critical in providing opportunities to young people. To some - especially those from regions involved in conflict - peacekeeping and efforts to preserve peace are absolutely vital in bringing prosperity and hope for the future.”
“I always wanted to be Olympic champion and do clean programs.”
“When I was little, I had never really expected to win such a big competition. For a long time, just skating in the Olympics had been my goal because not many Koreans had done it.”
“People expect that I'll be just perfect on ice, and that's not the case. I make mistakes, too. When I review my performance, sometimes I feel I did awful. That's the whole part of the process of what people see when I'm performing.”
“My coaches have told me my muscles and body structure are perfect for skating.”
“I've been dreaming of winning gold medal in the Olympics.”
“For a long time, just skating in the Olympics had been my goal because not many Koreans had done it.”
“I love weekends. Just like everyone else, I get to rest on weekends and go out with friends. I hate Mondays.”
“I always thought the Vancouver Olympics would be my last destination, but I'm extending it to Sochi... I want to start anew, not as an Olympic medalist but just as yet another figure skater.”
“After I won the Olympics, like any gold medalist, I did feel some emptiness in my heart. I did think about coming back to the ice for a long time. What motivated me is skating is something I am best at and I love the most. So I want to give it one more try.”