Great report on Kim YuNa

[shellyfan]

I am going to risk linking a posting in FSU by CalebsMom translating a Korean news article about YuNa Kim's success in finding an Italian boot that fits perfectly and the that her back is also doing quite well. See : Yu-Na update(Translation) by CalebsMom.

Korean article has a very happy looking Kim pictured: Yu-Na article w/picture

[jaylee]

Cute picture, and thanks for the link to the translation!

I used to worry that the pressure of having to deal with being the only hope for South Korea's success would take its toll on Yu-na Kim, especially on this, her first senior season. Think back to Midori Ito.

But while this can always change as the Olympics get closer, so far I'm really encouraged by Yu-Na's attitude and perspective (and her happy face in the picture). The pressure doesn't seem to have gotten to her. First, she seems to be enjoying the attention and admiration that has come with her success. Second, she (and her parents) understand she can only go out there and do her best. It's not all or nothing with her, she is happy if she can medal and if she happens to win, even better but it's not a failure if she doesn't.

And hee hee, I also think that Michelle has influenced her to have this attitude, because Yu-Na has cited her as a model a few times in interviews.

[geisha]

Following the encouraging news, here's some not-so-good news regarding Yu-Na Kim's conditioning. I found these photos from another board. Yu-Na Kim participated in the South Korea Winter Games on Feb 23rd and Feb 24th. This was her first appearance since the injury. She fell in both her short and long programs. Here are some photos:

http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/653...2132890pi1.jpg
http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/988...5148310bv7.jpg

This is even more depressing and a bit humorous. The following photo shows her physician gave Yu Na a bunch of very thick books on how to continue her physical theraphy when she's discharged from the hospital.

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/3741/zh07ox0.jpg
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/595...1028630lf5.jpg

Yu Na still has about 25 days to regroup before worlds, keep our fingers crossed for her.

[Bam-Bam]

It's really sad to see her have back problem at such a young age. It reminds me of another Korean Girl who's career was sidelined with injury problem. Good luck anyway.

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Figure skating star Kim Yu-na, who has been recovering from a back injury, said Thursday that she won't have any problem participating in the World Figure Skating Championships in Tokyo in March.

``After the first day of my back treatment, I felt much better. Nowadays, I am getting strong enough to train regularly. Although I didn't extend my training time, I can practice high-level skills,'' 16-year-old Kim said in a press conference at an Oriental medicine hospital in Seoul.

Kim, who has been receiving treatment twice a week for her injury, said she trains five hours a day, including physical therapy.

http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/spor...0001611640.htm

[moxie]

Since Sasha also had severe back problems by her mid-teens, perhaps it's an issue of pushing young bodies too hard into super-extended positions.
I've read that there's a growing opinion in the medical community that Pilates and other similar flexibility-enhancing programs should not be done by children, because of possible damage to growth plates and joints.

[gatzbee]

ouch those falls

i hope the very best for her at worlds!

[lavender]

How invasive….all those photographers at her therapy session.

[berthesghost]

Ok, for the first time I'm starting to feel grateful for Tara, Sarah and Sasha and all the others the USFSA hyped-up while MK skated. I love YuNa's skating, but the extreme focus and pressure her federation is putting on her seems detremental. I just hope she's able to blossum and not burn-out.

[Bam-Bam]

Koreans tend to be very Nationalistic and I'm afraid there is great deal of pressure on her, although she has come through on big tournaments.

I'm afraid they are not giving her a chance to recover. She really shouldn't have competed on those Winter Games in Korea recently.