"At the time, I pretended not to be, but I was so desperate."
On February 25, 2010, Kim Yuna, who won South Korea's first Olympic gold medal in figure skating with a world record at the Vancouver Olympics 15 years ago, candidly confessed her feelings during her active career.
In a JTBC interview released on the 26th, Kim Yuna recalled the Vancouver Olympics, saying, "I had never cried after a competition before, but at that time, I pretended not to, though I was very desperate." At that moment, Kim Yuna burst into tears amid cheers right after finishing her performance. That day, she scored 150.06 points in the women's singles free skating, combining with her short program score (78.50 points) to achieve a total of 228.56 points, the highest ever for women's singles, and won the gold medal.
Kim Yuna said, "Many people have said since long ago that I have 'steel mental strength' or a 'strong heart.' Of course, I delivered good results at critical moments, controlled my mind well, and had some luck, but the truth is, I am human too, so I couldn't help but feel nervous."
She reflected, "I think even showing confidence was part of the competition. I can say it now, but inside, I was very nervous."
She also mentioned the tears she shed at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, where she won the silver medal amid controversial judging. At that time, Kim Yuna appeared calm but suddenly cried after hearing SBS commentator Bang Sang-ah say in an interview after the awards ceremony, "Thank you, you know? You are the best."
Kim Yuna clarified, "Many interpreted that I cried out of frustration and resentment over the results, but that was not true." She continued, "I had already won the gold medal at the Vancouver Olympics, and I couldn't achieve better results than that, nor did I have the strength or motivation left. The process was so tough that it felt like 'finally, it's over,' and the emotions I had been holding back all came out at once."
Although 11 years have passed since she retired from active competition after the Sochi Olympics, Kim Yuna said she still skates in her dreams. She said, "Many people sometimes twitch in their sleep, like falling from a height. For me, those moments are connected to falling while skating. I think worries, anxieties, and fears have been unconsciously embodied and still remain."
Among the countless praises and love she received from the entire nation, Kim Yuna said the words she has not forgotten are fans saying, "It's okay to just peel tangerines on the ice." She added, "Whether I fail or make mistakes or succeed, just being on the ice skating is enough for people to like and love me. I think those words carry that kind of feeling."
When asked what score she would give her figure skating journey, Kim Yuna gave herself 100 points. She answered, "I couldn't have done better than that, and even looking at it simply as an athlete's performance, I want to give myself 100 points because I did my best."
She added, "If I had to describe figure skating in five syllables, it would be 'a love-hate relationship' or 'love-hate figure skating.' It was very hard and painful for me, but there was nothing else that made me as happy as this."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
