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Letter from Canada...."From Yu-na"
In March of 2006, Korea earned its very first gold medal in ISU Junior World Championship. The glorious champion was no other than the "Figure Skating Fairy, Yu-naKim." She captured the world's figure skating fans as she floatedacross the ice like a delicate butterfly. This victory was even morepriceless since she had struggled through boot problems, and an injuryon her right ankle.
In November of the same year, she challenged herself again in thesenior circuit; she took a bronze in Skate Canada, and a gold in TEB. She captured another gold in the Grand Prix Final, starting a new chapter in the Korean figure skating history. Her fans online cheered on as Yu-na returned from that competition where she skated with tapes on her back due to another severe injury.
From a "figure skating fairy," she has now become the favorite "little sister" of her country. Thenumber of her fans grew nationally not just because of herinternational medals; fans related to her because of the in ways inwhich she fought against her odds and pushed towards her dreams.
After her success in 2006, she won yet another medal in the World Championships in March of 2007. As Yu-na fought through her challenges of the season, there was a flow support from the Yu-nafans that helped her go on. And starting in February of 2007, the fansstayed in touch through an on-line fan group called, the "Yu-na Kim Gallery."
As the season continued, the members of the Yu-na Gallery became one of most enthusiastic groups of Yu-na supporters. They showed their support through encouraging and fun photo montages, and at times sent out gifts and scholarship funds.
A couple of weeks ago, the Yu-na Gallery contacted Yu-nafor an email interview. She returned the request with a "yes." Shedidn't forget to add that she was especially excited for a request fromthe Yu-na Gallery community. And then a few days later, Yu-na's answers finally came back to us across the ocean. Well, it's time to open up the letter!
[yu-na's E-mail letter ]
Hello, everyone at Yu-na Gallery community! It's Yu-na here.
Firstof all, thank you so much for all your support. I am especiallythankful for all your kind words you sent me even when I made mistakesor was dealing with my injuries. I have seen your so many of yourfunny photo montages Some of them made me laugh so much! And there are some really awesomean pretty ones. I know I haven't left many messages on the Yu-na Gallery Boards, but I am always impressed and excited at seeing how talented and thoughtful you all are.
Oh,and thank you so much for your gifts. Especially the dress is sopretty, I love the color and the design. But it's a tad big for meright now. I will have to grow a bit to wear it right.
And I really enjoyed the scrap book you sent, too. I loved being able tosee the photos I haven't had the chance to see. And thank you for allyour supportive notes in it. I can't believe you really made a boundbook like this...I really felt your kind support. Thank you.
I have shared your scrap book with my coaches, Brian Orser and David Wilson and they really enjoyed it, too. They especially got a kick out of the Teletubbiesmontage. (laugh) David said, "You really have great fans," and gotreally into all the photoshopped images. They were really wowed by thewhole book and looked it twice.
I also loved viewing all the videos you have edited (featuring Yu-na). I can't even pick out the most memorable ones because they are all soawesome. Some of them really moved me. I really loved all of them(Laugh). Thank you for making me look so pretty. Thank you, thankyou! (laugh)
These days I have been working on fitness about 3 to 4 hours a day, and work with Brian Orser coach on technique and the new program for an hour a day. I work twice a week with Tracy Wilson (coaches skating skills) and Astrid Shrubb (coaches spin). And with David Wilson (choreographer), we are working on the new program for about an hour or two [per week].
At times, when I am not training, I play badminton for fun. I go on the internetand study English. On weekends, I rest or go out. And on Sundays I goto a library to study English. At times it can be challenging and yet I am enjoying my days here, I'd have to say. I especially appreciatebeing able to take my time and do the things I have been wanting to dobesides the training.
I know that many of you are worried about my injuries. My back isn'tbothering me so much during my practices. But to prevent a relapse, Ihave continued the therapy. And we are avoiding moves that may put toomuch strain on my back.
Youwere curious if I go back to screen my performance after eachcompetition. In fact, it's quite hard for me to remember exactly whatI did during the competition. Even when I make mistakes, it's hard tofigure out what happened exactly. So I alwaysscreen my own performance after each competition. Also if thechoreography was executed a little oddly, I try to fix that during thepractice as well. I think that, for me, screening my own performanceis essential and it helps me learn so much. In addition, I watch otherskaters videos often. I learn much from seeing others skate.
You have asked if I had any "hang-ups." I don't think I have anyhang-ups, particularly, but I often forget to bring my stuff to thecompetition. At 2005 Junior Worlds free skating, I forgot to bring mytights so my coach had to bring them. I forgot my dress to the 2006Junior Worlds so my trainer had to go get it. Then 2006-07 Grand PrixFinal, I forgot to bring my purse. And most recently at the Worlds, Ican't even remember if it was at the short or long program, I forgot tobring scissors to cut the tape for securing skate strings. So I had touse my teeth. I do this sort of things so often I can't reallyremember them all. And things like that don't even phase me anymoreeither (laugh).
And favorite current skaters? As you all know, I do have too many skatersI like. (laugh) I like watching men's single skating. I can list Jefferey Buttle, Johnny Weir, Thomas Verner, and Takahashi Daisuke and Alban Preaubert. I feel that these skaters are very artistic. They have even more beautiful lines than women skaters and yet you can feel theirpower. You really can get into their skating.
The skating elements I find most beautiful are the ones that require flexibility, such as Bielman spin, Ina Bauer, and Spirals. I think they are pretty and moving, although it's a pain to actually execute them. (laugh)
Mybiggest treasure is my family, the second is my skates, and then thethird is my fans, who support me in so many ways and always cheers forme. (laugh)
Lastly, to every at Yu-naGallery, please do continue to pray and cheer for me even when I mightface a slump or go through difficult times. Of course, I will try myhardest to avoid such situations, but it seems like sports can be sounpredictable.... I will work hard to prepare for the next season andcome back to you with my improved skating. I will be back, hang tight!
As I read through Yu-na'sthoughtful reply, I tried to picture her in my mind. Although she isone of the top international figure skaters, the first image of Yu-nathat came up was the one with her school uniform on. In someways, Ican't help but to worry about her pressure to represent her countryinternationally. But on the other hand, she already has made hercountry so proud with all of her success. From here on, I wish for herto press on for herself....
Currently, Yu-na is training intensely as the ISU Grand Prixschedule has been set. I hope the love and support of her fans willreach all the way to Toronto, sustaining her through whatever difficulttimes she might have endure.
Translated by Herehere from YNKF.
WHATEVER, YOU DO HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME AN UNFORGETTABLE SKATER ! JUST BE PRECAUTIOUS AND KEEP ON IMPROVING SLOWLY BUT SURELY AS YOU DO RIGHT NOW ! 
