Kim Yuna

South Korean figure skater who became the 2010 Olympic champion and first Korean to win an Olympic medal in figure skating, setting multiple world records.

Born in Bucheon, South Korea, on September 5, 1990, Kim Yuna began figure skating at age six after being inspired by the 1994 Winter Olympics. Her mother, Park Mi-hee, made significant sacrifices to support her daughter's training, including moving the family to Toronto, Canada, when Kim was fourteen to train under renowned coach Brian Orser. This relocation proved pivotal in developing the technical precision and artistic maturity that would define her career. Kim's rise to prominence accelerated in the mid-2000s as she began collecting major international titles. She won the World Junior Championships in 2006, followed by her first senior World Championship gold medal in 2009. Her breakthrough came at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, where she delivered a flawless performance that shattered world records in both the short program and total score, winning gold by a commanding margin. She successfully defended her World Championship title in 2013 after a brief hiatus, demonstrating remarkable longevity at the sport's highest level. The 2010 Olympic performance remains one of figure skating's most celebrated achievements, with her total score of 228.56 points standing as a benchmark of excellence. Kim became the first Korean figure skater to win an Olympic medal and captured multiple World Championship titles throughout her career. Her technical mastery was complemented by sophisticated choreography and musical interpretation that elevated women's figure skating to new artistic heights. Kim's impact extends far beyond her competitive achievements. She transformed figure skating's popularity in South Korea, inspiring a generation of young skaters and earning recognition as one of the country's greatest athletes. Her rivalry with Japan's Mao Asada captivated audiences across Asia and elevated the global profile of women's figure skating. After retiring from competitive skating in 2014, she has remained influential through coaching, commentary, and promoting the sport's development in Korea, cementing her status as figure skating royalty.

Known for exceptional jumping technique, artistic expression, and consistency under pressure

First Korean Olympic figure skating champion, revolutionized the sport in Asia and set multiple world records

• 2010 Olympic Champion
• 2014 Olympic Silver Medal
• 2009 World Champion
• 2013 World Champion
• 4x Grand Prix Final Champion