Quotes & Sayings About Yuna Kim

I had trouble finding my next goal after winning a gold medal at the Vancouver Olympics, but the interest of the public and my fans in me got even bigger. I wanted to get away from the pressure, even for a single day. — Kim Yuna

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. — Kim Yuna

I'm not feeling much pressure for the Olympics because I think I already have done many things in my career. I will try to enjoy my second Olympics. — Kim Yuna

For a long time, just skating in the Olympics had been my goal because not many Koreans had done it. — Kim Yuna

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. — Kim Yuna

If I give up my career as a skater simply because I fear I won't show my best performance, I would be really sorry later in life. — Kim Yuna

I have been compared to Mao since we were both junior skaters. We've felt the rivalry since then, so we wanted to avoid each other. However, she has been my motivation. — Kim Yuna

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. — Kim Yuna

My coaches have told me my muscles and body structure are perfect for skating. — Kim Yuna

If I walk in the street in Korea, I am recognized. — Kim Yuna

If, by any chance, I get to perform, then it would be a great honor for me. Especially because performing in the Olympics in your country doesn't happen to many skaters. — Kim Yuna

I have learned from the first Olympics, of course. When I went to my first Olympic Games, I experienced all of the pressure and was able to win the gold medal. I try not to feel the pressure, and I try not to be nervous when I am on the ice and when I compete. — Kim Yuna

During my early skating years, there were not many ice rinks in Korea, and even the few rinks that existed, most of them were public. — Kim Yuna

For the off-ice training, I do basic strength training, and for the on-ice training, I practice jumps, spins, steps, and my new long program with my new coach Peter Oppegard. — Kim Yuna

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. — Kim Yuna

Many people talk about winning two straight gold medals, but I'm not focusing on defending the title. — Kim Yuna

Watching previous figure skaters, I always wondered why they cried after their performance. — Kim Yuna

Where there is peace, there is sports; where there is sports, there is peace. Peace is what allows us, especially young people, to dream, go after one's goals and prepare you for the next challenge in life. — Kim Yuna

I like to be just an athlete, but if I go to competition and compete, I love to be a star, maybe. — Kim Yuna

The Sochi Games is not only my second Olympics, but the 'retirement stage' for me, so I want to have a greater experience than any other competition before. In the past, I had strong concepts for short programs and lyrical ones for the long. But this time, it's the other way around. — Kim Yuna

The Vancouver Olympics was the first competition where I completed the short and free programs without any mistakes, and that in itself was a huge achievement. — Kim Yuna

I really hope that when I leave, my last trace will be beautiful. — Kim Yuna

A coach told my mum I had talent and I would make a very good skater. — Kim Yuna

Korean audiences are amazing. The fans scream so loud, and that really surprises skaters when they first perform in my shows. — Kim Yuna

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. — Kim Yuna

I decided to host my show 'Kiss and Cry' hoping that people actually want to participate and feel more familiar with figure skating. When I see these people enjoying themselves, it's a great joy to me. Although some of them get hurt once in a while, they enjoy it a lot, and I hope the show makes the viewers want to give it a try. — Kim Yuna

I always wanted to be Olympic champion and do clean programs. — Kim Yuna

L.A. is a city that has given me great support for skating. — Kim Yuna

In Toronto and Los Angeles, too, there are a lot of Koreans - Koreatown, Korean markets. I feel like I'm at home and very comfortable. — Kim Yuna

I love weekends. Just like everyone else, I get to rest on weekends and go out with friends. I hate Mondays. — Kim Yuna

In competition, when I start performance I try not to think about all the pressure from the fans. But, I got a lot of energy from them always. They make me more perfect. — Kim Yuna

When I came back on the rink in 2012, I set a goal of wrapping up my career well rather than just winning medals. I'm not preparing for any special skills for Sochi because I don't feel like they are necessary. — Kim Yuna

When I was young, many people didn't know what figure skating was. Some who knew of it thought of it as dancing on ice. But, as I entered international competitions and got good results, many people got to know more about it and came to cheer for me. — Kim Yuna

I trained for four years in Toronto, and even before that, I was back and forth between Canada and the States during summer for training. And, since there isn't much difference between Canada and the States, I haven't felt much difference in the environment. — Kim Yuna

I am not trying my best because it is the Olympics. I try my best always. — Kim Yuna

I've been dreaming of winning gold medal in the Olympics. — Kim Yuna

What I miss the most is chatting with my friends and family and having a good laugh over a simple meal. — Kim Yuna

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. — Kim Yuna

The thought of having the expectations of the whole country on my shoulders worried and unnerved me. — Kim Yuna

I love figure skating. It's what I'm good at. — Kim Yuna

Even in the hardest circumstances, dreams can give you the courage to live, and I hope I can share that message with children in need. — Kim Yuna

The Olympics is the biggest competition for all athletes and an unforgettable event. — Kim Yuna

So-Youn has good qualities in both jump and power, triple combination is her biggest strength and she also has great artistic value in her skating. — Kim Yuna

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. — Kim Yuna

Building a better life for every child is a lot harder than becoming a world champion. Both goals take dedication and commitment. — Kim Yuna

For an athlete myself, it is especially meaningful for our country to host an Olympics. Every athlete hopes to participate in an Olympics, so I still can't believe the games of dreams is going to take place in Korea. — Kim Yuna

What motivated me is skating is something I am best at and I love the most. — Kim Yuna