By Kang Seung-woo
Staff Reporter
One month before the World Championships, injured South Korean figure skating star Kim Yu-na is focused on rehabilitation more than preparation for the competition.
``Although it will take some time to recuperate, I will refrain from skating until I get fully recovered,'' the 17-year-old, two-time defending World Grand Prix Final champion said at a news conference Wednesday morning in Seoul.
``I am worried about my injury ahead of the championships. However, when thinking of continuing my career on the ice, it is a better idea to put priority on recovery.
``Injury is inevitable for a player. I have been plagued lots of times thus far, so I have concluded that I need to eye getting better.''
Kim suffered a hip injury earlier this month while training in Toronto. The injury prevented the figure skating wunderkind from performing at the Four Continents Championships, which started in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on Wednesday and featured top-level skaters, such as Mao Asada and Ando Miki of Japan.
Kim was treated in Toronto, but after no progress, flew back to Korea Monday.
``It has nothing to do with any impulse from falls,'' said Kim, who suffered a back injury last season. ``I think fatigue brought me down. I felt a few pains while skating, but overlooked them and continued training.''
Despite the injury, she was positive about participating in the World Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden.
``Thanks to early finding and proper treatment, I am likely to perform in Sweden,'' she said.
Her doctor also had the same opinion.
``As her muscle and ligament on the spine are in good shape, she is expected to get better earlier than usual,'' he said. ``In this kind of situation, she will be well enough to participate in the World Championships.''