Kim focused on now, for now
 2010 Olympic figure skating champion Kim Yu-na of South Koreaperforms at the Artistry on Ice show in Shanghai on Sunday. Thisyear's Artistry on Ice tour started in Taipei on June 9, then traveled toBeijing and Shenzhen before wrapping up in Shanghai. Peter Parks /Agence France-Presse |
Reigning Olympic figure skating champion undecided about2014 South Korean figure skating star Kim Yu-na said over theweekend she hasn't decided whether she will compete atthe 2014 Winter Olympics, but is looking forward to hostingthe event's top players at the 2018 Olympics in her homecountry. Kim, who was in Shanghai to take part in her first show inChina, said it was too soon to talk about the 2014 Games inSochi, Russia. But the reigning Olympic champion said she anticipated thechance to watch the performances by elite players at the2018 Games in Pyeongchang. "I hope everyone can fulfill their dreams in Pyeongchang,"said Kim, who promoted Pyeongchang's bid as a good-willambassador before it was named host city. The 21-year-old is one of the most recognizable athletes in South Korea, after becoming thefirst female skater to sweep gold medals at the Olympic Games, the World Championships, theFour Continents Championships and the Grand Prix Final. Talking about the key to her success, Kim stressed the importance of mental toughness. "I won a lot of titles, but lost many games too," she said at the weekend. "In figure skating,mental toughness is very important and I close much attention to adjusting myself to reach mybest form." Kim also said her genetic makeup helped. "My coaches have told me my muscles and body structure are perfect for skating. I was bornwith a good instrument, maybe more so than talent. I was lucky my coaches noticed early onand helped me develop that. A lot of people don't know they are born that way," she said. Kim was listed in 2010 as one of the world's highest-paid female athletes, with annual earningsof $9.7 million. She remains a highly sought-after star among advertisers, although there hasbeen widespread speculation in the media about her retirement. She has her own show, ATSS, in South Korea, but seldom takes part in commercialperformances overseas. At Sunday's Artistry on Ice, Kim brought two new programschoreographed to Michael Buble's All of Me and Adele's Someone Like You. Skating to All of Me, Kim, dressed in a black suit, black tie and black hat, showed her range ofskills. "I have competed in China three times, but this is my first ice show here, so I feel nervous," Kimsaid. "I am glad to see the passionate fans in China and hope to reward their support with thetwo new programs." Li Sheng, president of SECA, the host of Sunday's show, said it took two years to lure Kim. "It's a breakthrough in Artistry on Ice, and even in China's figure skating history, although sheonly took part in the Shanghai stop," Li said. Sunday's Artistry on Ice was the last stop of this year's tour, following performances in Taipei,Beijing and Shenzhen. It also marked the swansong of China's leading pair of Shen Xue andZhao Hongbo. wangzhenghua@chinadaily.com.cn (China Daily 06/20/2012 page23) | 
显身卡
