She’s one of South Korea’s biggest stars — with sellout shows, legions of devoted fans and a plethora of advertising deals.But Kim Yuna, who clinched the country’s first Olympic medal in figure skating at the Winter Games in Vancouver earlier this year, isn’t your average celebrity.The 20-year-old, also known as “Queen Yuna,” is a national hero in South Korea, is ranked No. 1 by the International Skating Union (ISU) and was named by TIME magazine as one of the 100 most influential people of 2010.Born in Bucheon, South Korea, Kim was on the ice at the age of seven. It was a difficult climb to the top, with Kim having to move to Toronto at the age of 16 in order to pursue her Olympic ambitions.But her work paid off at the Vancouver Olympics, where she scored a record 228.56 points to win gold in women’s figure skating. The highest score since the ISU judging system began, she beat her own world record and eclipsed her closest rival, Mao Asada of Japan, by a massive 20.06 points.
Now having won every “grand slam” title figure skating has to offer, including the World Grand Prix Final, Four Continents Championships and World Championships, she is one of the highest paid athletes in the world, according to Forbes magazine.Currently living and training in the suburbs of Los Angeles, Kim talks to CNN about her future skating plans and what she misses most about home. – Cnn
