By Cho Mu-hyun
Winter Youth Olympic ambassador Kim Yu-na said Thursday (KST) that the Olympic gold medal didn't change her life too much but she felt a sense of emptiness after winning it.
Kim shared her knowledge as a successful figure skater wih young reporters in Innsbruck, Austria where the youth Games are being held. It was part of a program titled "Youth Reporters" commissioned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), for those between 18 and 24 who are set on a journalistic career.
"I thought an Olympic gold medal would change my life, but right after I won the medal, there was nothing that changed," she said according to the official website of the Youth Olympics. "An Olympic gold medal maybe did change my life a little, but not a lot."
Kim said she "felt a sense of emptiness," and to fill the void she kept her self busy with activities, such as a United Nations goodwill ambassador, a Special Olympics ambassador and a Paralympics ambassador.
She also had some advice for the young athletes, sharing her experiences during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics where she won the gold medal. "Many people around me were worried that I would make a mistake. Just perform. Forget about the other competitors and just give your best."
Kim was the first interviewee for the program which was conducted in the stands of the ice rink and was greeted by the participants of the Games and fans as well as the reporters.
She answered all question generously during the interview that lasted over thirty minutes and held a brief signature session afterwards.
She is to meet up with IOC President Jacques Rogge for the opening ceremony on Saturday and will be attending multiple events before returning to Korea on Monday.