Figure skating queen Kim Yuna opens up about the mental pressure she felt during competitions and the controversial judging at the 2014 Sochi Olympics

Kim Yuna, renowned for her unwavering composure and unshakable performance even in the biggest competitions, candidly shared her true feelings from her competitive days.

In an interview with JTBC released on February 26, Kim Yuna said, “People have often called me ‘iron mentality’ or ‘strong-hearted’ since the old days. Of course, I was able to deliver good results in crucial moments, maintain strong mental control, and had luck on my side at times. But as a human being, it was impossible not to feel nervous.”

Fifteen years ago, on February 26, 2010, Kim Yuna scored 150.06 points in the free skating segment of the women’s singles at the Vancouver Olympics. Combined with her short program score (78.50), she achieved a record-breaking total of 228.56 points—the highest score in women’s singles history at the time—securing the gold medal. It was South Korea’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in figure skating. Reflecting on that moment, Kim Yuna shared, “I can say it now, but I was actually trembling inside. I think even projecting confidence was part of the competition itself.”

Although it has been 11 years since her retirement, Kim Yuna revealed that she still dreams of falling from high places when she sleeps at night. She shared, “I think those worries, anxieties, and fears became ingrained in me and remain subconsciously."

She also touched on the controversial judging at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, where she won the silver medal, but most observers thought she deserved the gold medal. During the awards ceremony, SBS commentator, Bang Sang Ah, told her, “Thank you, you know that? You’re the best,” to which Kim Yuna burst into tears. However, she clarified, “Many people interpreted my tears as frustration and resentment over the result, but that wasn’t the case. I had already won gold in Vancouver, and there was no higher achievement left for me. I didn’t have the energy or motivation to push beyond that.” She added, “The process had been so difficult that it felt like a huge weight had finally been lifted. Those tears were an emotional release after enduring it all.”

Kim Yuna, a former South Korean national figure skater, won gold at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and silver at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. During her career, she set 11 world records and became the first female figure skater in 100 years to achieve an ‘All Podium’ record, placing in every competition of her career. She also completed the Grand Slam by winning all major titles, including the Olympics, World Championships, Grand Prix Final, and Four Continents Championships.