Kim Yu-na: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

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Kim Yu-na is a South Korean figure skater. The 23-year-old, who was the ladies’ single gold-medal winner in the 2010 Olympics, is again a favorite to win in this year’s Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. She’s looking to become the first woman to retain her Olympic figure skating title since Katarina Witt in 1988.

Here’s the scoop on Yu-na:

1. She Already Has Quite the Trophy Case

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Yu-na won the gold medal in ladies’ single at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. She also is a two-time World champion (2009, 2013), a three-time Grand Prix Final Champion (2006-2007, 2007-2008, 2009-2010) and six-time South Korean national champion (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2013, 2014).

Watch below to see here take the gold in the 2013 World Championship in London.

2. She’s a Big Celebrity in South Korea

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Yu-na has become a beloved celebrity throughout South Korea. Her official sponsors include Kookmin Bank, Nike, Korean Air, Samsung and Hyundai. She has appeared in several South Korean commercials, participated in ice shows and even worked as a singer. In August 2010, Forbes listed her as one of the highest-paid female athletes in the world, with an annual income of $9.7 million.

Yu-na also played a key role in bringing the 2018 Winter Olympics to PyeongChang, South Korea by promoting the city as both an athlete ambassador and Olympic gold medalist. She was one of the eight Korean delegates who delivered a presentation before the International Olympic Committee (IOC) pushing for PyeongChang, which ultimately won the hosting rights over Munich, Annecy and other potential host cities.

3. She Published Two Books in 2010

Yu-na published a book, Kim Yu-na’s Seven-Minute Drama, in January 2010. The book chronicles her experience with figure skating from age seven all the way to her preparation for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. In March 2010, she published a second book, Like Kim Yuna, which is aimed at younger readers.

4. She Plans to Retire After Sochi Games

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According to the Korea Times, Yu-na will retire after the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. She hopes to serve on the International Olympic Committee after retirement.

5. She Donates Generously to Charity

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Yu-na, who is heavily involved in charity work, has donated a considerable amount of money to various organizations. Among her many charitable contributions include donations to help the victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake and 2011 earthquake/tsunami disasters in Japan.

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