South Korean Skater Eyes Olympic Gold 

2009-12-08 11:14

 

With only two months before the Winter Games, South Korea's Kim Yu-na is a shining favorite for figure skating gold, with her performance and confidence now peaking.

Kim captured the Tokyo Grand Prix over the weekend, besting Japan's Miki Ando and a field that not including Olympic hopeful -- and top rival -- Mao Asada.

But the 19-year-old Korean star, who has captured only gold this skating season, says luck will also play a part at the Vancouver Games.

[Kim Yu-na, Figure Skater]:
"Honestly speaking, I don't deny that I have a good chance, but I always have concerns as anything can happen in the future, especially when it comes to the Olympic gold medal. You need to have some luck on top of your skating efforts."

Kim has set a number of record point scores this season, while wowing fans with her technical and dramatic moves.

But she says in addition to physical training, her mental outlook in February will be key.

[Kim Yu-na, Figure Skater]:
"Maintaining my mental strength is the most important thing before the Olympics. I've always regretted when I didn't show my best during performances, although I'm perfectly capable, so this time I will prepare perfectly and aim for a peak effort during the Olympic Games."

Skaters like Ando, now with her own Games ticket, and possibly Asada, if she makes the Japanese team, will look to keep Kim from more records by following 2006 Turin Games champion Shizuka Arakawa, and capturing a gold of their own.