Born: 1990 (Bucheon, South Korea)
Biography:
Yuna Kim (Korean: ; born September 5, 1990), also credited in eastern name order as Kim Yuna or Kim Yeon-a, is a retired South Korean competitive figure skater. She is the 2010 Olympic champion, the 2014 Olympic silver medalist, a two-time World champion (2009, 2013), the 2009 Four Continents champion, a three-time Grand Prix Final champion, the 2006 World Junior champion, the 2005 Junior Grand Prix Final champion, and a six-time (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2013, 2014) South Korean national champion.
Yuna Kim’s journey in the world of figure skating began at a young age. Born in Bucheon, South Korea, she displayed great potential and love for the ice from an early age. Her parents recognized her talent and supported her passion, enrolling her in skating lessons when she was just six years old. It quickly became apparent that Yuna possessed a rare gift for figure skating, combining strong technical abilities with remarkable artistry.
As she progressed in her training, Yuna Kim’s talent continued to shine. At the age of 14, she made her international debut and quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with. In 2006, she became the World Junior champion, showcasing her exceptional skills on the global stage. This victory marked the beginning of her meteoric rise to becoming one of the greatest figure skaters of all time.
Yuna’s breakthrough moment came at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. With a flawless performance, she captivated the world and earned the Olympic gold medal. Her stunning artistry, technical precision, and unwavering determination made her a deserving champion. This victory made her the pride of South Korea and elevated her to an iconic status within the world of figure skating.
But Yuna’s success did not end there. She went on to achieve even greater heights in her career. In 2013, she secured her second World title, further solidifying her place in figure skating history. Yuna Kim’s achievements extended beyond individual competitions. Throughout her career, she displayed remarkable consistency, never finishing off the podium in any competition under the current ISU Judging System. This exceptional level of performance earned her the distinction of being the first and only figure skater to achieve such a feat.
Yuna’s influence on the sport extended far beyond her technical prowess. Her artistry and musicality set her apart from her competitors, captivating audiences with every performance. She brought a unique blend of athleticism and grace to the ice, redefining what it meant to be a figure skater. Yuna Kim’s impact on the sport can still be felt today, as her influence continues to inspire the next generation of skaters.
Outside of the rink, Yuna Kim’s impact on society is equally notable. She quickly became one of South Korea’s most recognized athletes and media figures, transcending the world of sports. Her accomplishments and popularity garnered her the nickname Queen Yuna, a testament to the respect and adoration she received both within and outside of her home country.
Yuna Kim’s success also translated into financial success. She was the highest-paid athlete at the 2010 Winter Olympics and consistently ranked among the top-earning sportswomen in the world. Forbes magazine recognized her accomplishments and included her in their prestigious lists such as the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity, 30 Under 30, and Philanthropy.
Despite her numerous achievements, Yuna Kim remained grounded and dedicated to her craft. Her relentless pursuit of excellence, combined with her genuine love for the sport, endeared her to fans around the world. Yuna Kim’s rivalries with other top skaters, such as three-time World champion Mao Asada from Japan, further fueled her competitive spirit and pushed her to new heights.
In 2014, Yuna Kim decided to retire from competitive figure skating, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy. Her impact on the sport, her country, and women’s history cannot be overstated. She shattered records, broke boundaries, and redefined what it meant to be a figure skater. Yuna Kim will forever be remembered as one of the greatest to have ever graced the ice.
Awards:
– Olympic champion (2010)
– Olympic silver medalist (2014)
– Two-time World champion (2009, 2013)
– Four Continents champion (2009)
– Three-time Grand Prix Final champion
– World Junior champion (2006)
– Junior Grand Prix Final champion (2005)
– Six-time South Korean national champion (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2013, 2014)
– Numerous world records under the ISU Judging System (short program, free skate, combined total)