Return of the Ice Skating Queen
Figure skating champion Kim Yu-na returned to the top in world figure skating after finishing first in the 2013 World Figure Skating Championships in Canada by an overwhelming lead.
She beat runner-up Carolina Kostner of Italy by over 20 points and her masterful style was a notch above her competition. The Korean public was once again reminded why Kim reigns supreme in the world of figure skating with her graceful spins and dizzying jumps followed by stable landings.
Kim had almost two years. After clinching the gold medal in the Vancouver Winter Olympics, she came second in the 2010 and 2011 World Figure Skating Championships and appeared to have gone into virtual retirement.
Kim herself admitted she felt "empty" after achieving her goal of winning Olympic gold. She appeared to be drifting without finding a reason to train and put more time and effort into activities other than figure skating. For musicians, dancers and athletes, who must train constantly in order to stay in top form, several years away from training usually mean retirement, and many thought she would never be able to regain her past glory.
But late last year, Kim hit the ice again starting with the NRW Trophy in Germany. She competed in several other events and honed her skills again. She jumped higher and further than her rivals and got rid of small mistakes, until nobody was able to match her points for technique and artistry.
Her hard physical training appeared evident in her excellent condition in the latter part of her routines. Basketball star Michael Jordan and soccer player Zinedine Zidane both emerged from retirement to mount successful returns. Kim's brilliant return offered a moving moment for her fans around the world.
The eyes of the Korean public were glued to the TV until Kim finished her last spin on Sunday. And she proved her skills once again, winning her 15th international competitions. Stepping out of a long leave to demonstrate her amazing skills, Kim showed us once again the true athletic spirit of taking on new challenges.
