Historical Figure
Kim Yuna
b. 1990
South Korean figure skater (born 1990)
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Biography
Yuna Kim, also credited in eastern name order as Kim Yuna or Kim Yeon-a, is a South Korean figure skater. Known for her well-rounded skills, achievements, popularity, and impact on the sport, she is one of the most highly recognized athletes in South Korea and regarded as one of the greatest figure skaters in history, being commonly referred to as "Queen Yuna". Kim started skating at five years old and competed in women's singles from 2001 to 2014. She is the 2010 Olympic champion, the 2014 Olympic silver medalist, a two-time World champion 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 South Korean national champion.
Timeline
The story of Kim Yuna, told in moments.
Won the World Championship in Los Angeles. Set a world record in the free skate. Combined athletic jumps with musical interpretation in a way judges hadn't seen. She made figure skating national news in Korea.
Won Olympic gold at Vancouver with 228.56 points, the highest score ever recorded under the judging system. Her "Gershwin Concerto" free skate was technically flawless. 20 million South Koreans watched live.
Won silver at Sochi in a controversial result. Many fans and analysts believed she'd been underscored. Retired at 23. Named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Lit the Olympic cauldron at Pyeongchang in 2018.
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