Kim focused on now, for now

Reigning Olympic figure skating champion undecided about 2014

South Korean figure skating star Kim Yu-na said over the weekend she hasn't decided whether she will compete at the 2014 Winter Olympics, but is looking forward to hosting the event's top players at the 2018 Olympics in her home country.

Kim, who was in Shanghai to take part in her first show in China, said it was too soon to talk about the 2014 Games in Sochi, Russia.

But the reigning Olympic champion said she anticipated the chance to watch the performances by elite players at the 2018 Games in Pyeongchang.

"I hope everyone can fulfill their dreams in Pyeongchang," said Kim, who promoted Pyeongchang's bid as a good-will ambassador before it was named host city.

The 21-year-old is one of the most recognizable athletes in South Korea, after becoming the first female skater to sweep gold medals at the Olympic Games, the World Championships, the Four Continents Championships and the Grand Prix Final.

Talking about the key to her success, Kim stressed the importance of mental toughness.

"I won a lot of titles, but lost many games too," she said at the weekend. "In figure skating, mental toughness is very important and I close much attention to adjusting myself to reach my best form."

Kim also said her genetic makeup helped.

"My coaches have told me my muscles and body structure are perfect for skating. I was born with a good instrument, maybe more so than talent. I was lucky my coaches noticed early on and helped me develop that. A lot of people don't know they are born that way," she said.

Kim was listed in 2010 as one of the world's highest-paid female athletes, with annual earnings of $9.7 million. She remains a highly sought-after star among advertisers, although there has been widespread speculation in the media about her retirement.

She has her own show, ATSS, in South Korea, but seldom takes part in commercial performances overseas. At Sunday's Artistry on Ice, Kim brought two new programs choreographed to Michael Buble's All of Me and Adele's Someone Like You.

Skating to All of Me, Kim, dressed in a black suit, black tie and black hat, showed her range of skills.

"I have competed in China three times, but this is my first ice show here, so I feel nervous," Kim said. "I am glad to see the passionate fans in China and hope to reward their support with the two new programs."

Li Sheng, president of SECA, the host of Sunday's show, said it took two years to lure Kim.

"It's a breakthrough in Artistry on Ice, and even in China's figure skating history, although she only took part in the Shanghai stop," Li said.

Sunday's Artistry on Ice was the last stop of this year's tour, following performances in Taipei, Beijing and Shenzhen. It also marked the swansong of China's leading pair of Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo.

wangzhenghua@chinadaily.com.cn