Queen Yu-na

Set Her Free From Too Much Nationalism, Commercialism

Kim Yu-na set three simultaneous records ― each for herself, her country and the world ― on Sunday morning (KST). Kim won her, and Korea's, first title at the World Figure Skating Championships, with the highest points the world had ever seen. One can hardly speak too highly of the 18-year-old's achievements in her sport.

That Kim was more than 16 points ahead of the runner-up ― even despite two critical mistakes ― means she has ``no rivals but the standard of excellence she has set,'' as the Los Angeles Times put it. ``Perfection may be the only thing left for Kim Yu-na to shoot for,'' the paper said. The Associated Press echoed the view, saying, ``this was more coronation than competition.'' ``Kim was in a class by herself,'' the news agency added.

Even to the eyes of laymen who cannot tell a triple lutz from a triple axel or a double toe-loop from a double loop, Kim skated with such ease and grace that she seemed to glide across the ice like an elegant crane, albeit one armed with enormous power and passion.

Like a swan that has to ceaselessly move its feet underwater to stay afloat, however, it would be beyond anyone's imagination how much sweat and tears she has had to shed to reach the very top of this art-cum-sport since she wore her first skates at the age of 7, with the probable exception of her mother, and later, her coaches.

Yes, all this had to be attributed to sheer efforts and sacrifices of Kim as an individual, her family members and a small group of supporters, especially for her pre-fame era. In Korea, which experts liken to a barren land for some sports, including figure skating, Kim even had to train at midnight after all public users left the rink where she practiced.

Born in a country lagging far behind advanced sports powers, such as the United States and Japan, Kim also had considerable advantages ― visible or not ― in a sport where subjective standards of judges play a big part.

It's clear what the government should do in return for Kim and many of her wannabes ― replenish the ``infrastructure,'' including the construction of more ice rinks for exclusive use by promising skaters, as well as enhance sports diplomacy at least to provide a level ground ― or ice ― for Korean skaters.

True, this college freshman has offered lots of comfort and encouragement to her recession-stricken compatriots, and nationalism plays a big role in international sports. But overly high nationalistic expectations are not desirable for the sake of pure sportsmanship or the performances of this young athlete.

Another potential source of harm for Kim is excessive commercialism, as shown by reports of up to 200 companies wanting her for commercials.

As Kim made clear at a news conference, her next objective is the gold medal in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada, which will require another year of hard struggle. We hope Kim will go far beyond to reach and even surpass the levels attained by the legends of figure skating and her one-time idols, such as Michelle Kwan and Katarina Witt.

All this, however, should be for herself first of all and for as long as she wishes, not out of an undue sense of duty for any others, including her fellow countrymen. The age of state amateurism is over and it's time to let athletes be themselves.