I don’t think I’ll ever forget Yu-Na Kim’s 2010 Olympic programs. And Yu-Na Kim obviously impressed a lot more people than me. She was recently named the “Greatest Skater of All-Time” by the people who voted at U.S. Figure Skating’s Facebook page.
U.S. Figure Skating had set up an “NCAA tournament-style bracket with 64 of the greatest skaters and duos in the history of the sport.” The skaters were seeded according to on-ice accomplishments, historical significance, and public perception.
Yu-Na Kim beat out Torvill and Dean in the championship round to be named the “Greatest Skater/Team of All-time.” Mickey Brown in an icenetwork.com article, said:
It’s hard to argue with Kim’s victory, as she has won every major title in the sport over the last two years and owns the records for the highest ladies short program, free skate and overall scores under the international judging system. Maybe most remarkably, in 33 career competitions, she has never once finished off the podium.
Yu-Na is known for her technical excellence, mature artistry, and speed into jumps. So, what made Yu-Na so great, besides having loads of talent?
Often, when I’ve watched Yu-Na Kim skate or listened to interviews, I can’t help but think of the Nike slogan:
Just do it.
And that’s not just because Nike is one of Yu-Na’s sponsors. I’ve also thought of Yoda’s words in Star Wars when he tells Luke Skywalker:
Do… or do not. There is no try.
Yu-Na had a “just do it” attitude. She just did what it took to become the 2010 Olympic champion. She moved to Canada to train with the right coach and choreographer for her – coach Brian Orser and choreographer David Wilson. Then, she kept her emotions in check to perform two stunning programs at the Olympics. Yu-Na Kim just did it.
It’s unfortunate that the original Olympic broadcasts aren’t available on YouTube. Here are two other videos: Yu-Na Kim’s Olympic-season short program showing her readiness at her first Grand Prix of the season and an Associated Press recap of Yu-Na Kim’s Olympic victory.
Photo credit: 2010 Olympics Ladies Podium Photo by Liz Chastney http://photography.ice-dance.com/2010Olympics/FigureSkating/Ladies/Medals/10OLPod923-LC.JPG.php
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Well I must admit I know very little about figure skating,,,but I do enjoy watching it, and I’m now following from Java’s blog so that I can follow your journey. Have a great day and a spectacular weekend!
Thanks for following, Dee! Figure skating is my favorite sport to watch, and every year I’m fascinated at how the sport keeps evolving. I hope you have a great day and spectacular weekend as well!
Hi, Deb.
Her consistency is amazing,isn’t it? You’re right: she just does it. Everyone has a bad day here and there, but she gets past them and delivers.
Thanks for the great post!
Ice Mom
Thanks so much, Ice Mom! She does get past bad days, doesn’t she – and then seems to raise skating to a new level!
I love, love, love figure skating…I’ve been a fan for years! Even met Scott Hamilton! lol…
I’m so glad to have met you and I’m really enjoying your wonderful blog!
Have a fantastic weekend!!
Java
Thanks so much, Java! Scott Hamilton was in some of my favorite skating shows. I have such great memories of some of his funny routines!
I love your blog, too – and your awesome community of Over 40 Bloggers!
I hope you have a fantastic weekend, too!!
I love watching figure skating! My town hosted the National championships this year!
Thanks for your comment, Cindy! You must be from Spokane. Spokane has so many great skating fans that it had the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in both 2007 and 2010 – and that’s unusual!