Korean people present eternal gold medal to Kim Yu-na

South Korean figure skating star Kim Yu-na won a silver medal in ladies` singles competition at the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. All people of South Korea must have felt sorry, but it must be Kim herself who feels sorry for having failed to give the people a gold medal as her farewell present. Nevertheless, she stood on the podium, trying to keep a smile on her face, congratulating her competitors and waving back to the cheering crowd. She made her finale even more beautifully by showing the composure that only few can.

Regarding the controversial judging, she said, "I did not make any mistake but I was not perfect. Still, I think I did all I could do. I am satisfied because I did all I could do." Kim`s real competitor was not Russia`s Adelina Sotnikova who won the gold but her very self who wore a gold medal around her neck at the Vancouver Winter Games four years ago, which she registered a record-high score. If Kim lost to somebody this time, it was none other than herself of four years ago. She was away from the ice rink for a while and suffered from injuries. Still, she did all she could and was happy with it.

One of Kim`s closest friends from her middle school told a Japanese TV show that Kim hardly had a day of good condition per month." In 2010, she wrote a chapter in the world`s figure skating history by winning a gold medal despite the general belief that it was impossible for Koreans to do so in ladies` figure skating. She could have just retired with no regrets at the time. It was Korean people who dragged her to the tough life that any person could afford.

After helping Korea win the right in 2011 to host the 2014 Winter Olympic Games as a member of the national task force, she participated in the 2013 ISU World Figure Skating Championships to increase Korea`s tickets to Sochi. She ranked first, winning three tickets. As a Japanese TV program said, "Her body is screaming but the queen soars for her country," two younger Korean figure skaters had their first shot at the Olympics and had valuable experiences. We all are truly grateful for her dedication to her country and response to the people`s call.

The ladies` singles competition is the flower of the Winter Olympics. Many people around the world watch it on TV even if their countries` skaters do not participate. Kim displayed the beauty of Korean women with her graceful appearance, sophisticated costumes and, above all, her elegant and dignified attitude. The French call woman who symbolizes a period "Marianne." Kim has always done her best, and so did she this time until the last moment. We hope that she remains a role model so that future generations call the women of their times "Kim Yuna of our time."