Kim was this junior phenom from South Korea. Over four years ago she defeated Japan's phenom, Mao Asada at the Junior Worlds despite Asada's jumping arsenal that included a triple Axel. Preparing for the future, she went to the Toronto Skating and Cricket Club to work with "Mr. Triple Axel" Brian Orser.
I've heard Kim's mother eventually asked Brian if he would coach her full time. Here's where the charming part of the story begins, Orser, had never coached before and never thought he would. He had been asked to help rebuild the Toronto Skating and Cricket Club as he was winding down his professional skating career. It wasn't meant to be a full time coaching gig. However, his world collided with Yuna's and they seemed to help each other rediscover the joys in skating.
Kim went on to win consecutive bronze medals at worlds in 2007 and 2008. Following the 2008 season, she dominated the skating world culminating in gold at the 2009 world champs in LA. She would go into the Olympic year as the favorite for taking the coolest souvenior of the games - Olympic gold.
Amazingly, she had a unique coach in her corner to guide her through the Olympic pressures and expectations of a nation. Brian Orser narrowly missed winning two consecutive Olympics, one in the epic Battle of the Brians in Calgary. Despite missing the top of the podium, he has two Olympic silvers which is still more than most. He knows how to handle rivalries and pressure while turning out triples. With the Olympics in Canada, the media started to write stories of how this could be Orser's gold. He brushed off such talk and focused on keeping Yuna prepared.
The golden story line played out on the ice in Vancouver and was the first gold medalist since Kristi Yamaguchi to go one to the world championships. It looked as if Kim would be carving a name for herself as one of the true skating greats and would go on to compete the next four years. However, the season caught up with her and she finished an impressive 2nd. Her rival, Mao Asada won.
Skating shows followed during the summer and finally, the Kim camp announced she was skipping the Grand Prix season. Disappointing, but there was word she was planning to compete at worlds, it was understandable she needed a break to come back strong.
However, this news of the break leaves the head shaking. It appears something has been brewing during the "off-season" in between the shows. Kim's mother apparently gave the official word at the beginning of August, but Orser's management team just announced it today. Apparently there was hope for change of heart. Orser's announcement seems to point the finger at Kim's mother and management team. Then there was this strange tweet today from @Yunaaa:
Would you please stop to tell a lie, B? I know exactly what's going on now and this is what I've DECIDEDNow @Yunaaa is not listed as a "verified account" but it's followed by verified accounts from several skaters that train with Kim. From the history of posts, I've assumed the account is related to Kim's team although I'm not exactly sure who manages the account. Even though this may not have come from Kim or anyone truly close to her, I have a feeling this break up will get ugly.
It's unfortunate situation as it seems Kim Yuna will probably no longer compete in ISU events. She was raising the bar, so it's sad to see her go.
For more info:
Aaron's take at Axels, Loops and Spins
Eric's take at Minnesota Ice
Kelli's post at State of the Skate
Phil Hersh reporting at the Chicago Tribune
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