The Sign of the Cross on the Olympic skating rink

VANCOUVER (CTV) - When world champion figure skater Kim Yu-Na of South Korea reached the ice Wednesday night, she was revved up for a fight.
Her biggest rival, Japan's Mao Asada, had just delivered a spectacular short program just moments before and the gauntlet had been thrown down.

With some jazz-inspired moves set to a medley of James Bond tunes, she glided effortlessly through her routine with her usual verve, speed and connection to the music. Kim ended it with her hands clasped together in a sly gun gesture, the competition blown away.

When it was over, Kim had set a new short-program world record of 78.50 points. She sits in solid contention for the gold medal after Thursday's long program, what would be the first for South Korea in figure skating.

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South Korea's Kim Yu-Na sits with her coach Brian Orser (R) after performing in the women's short programme figure skating event at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics February 23, 2010.




South Koreans watch a TV program broadcasting South Korea's Kim Yu-na performance during the women's figure skating competition at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, at the Seoul Railway Station, South Korea, Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010.
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Kim was baptised a Catholic a couple of years ago, and makes the sign of the cross before her performances. Photos and video via Totus Tuus

Source of the images: Pyeonghwa (Peace) Newspaper

“I strongly believe she will win the gold medal, but I’ve never asked her to get it,” he said. “Whenever I hear my friends or acquaintances say Yu-na must win the gold medal, I ask them not to say that. I’ve always said it’s up to God’s will.”

Kim Hyeon-seok has faced much difficulty since his daughter became a figure skater. Yet he says he is grateful to be the father of the world’s top competitor in the sport.

“It seems God has sent Yu-na to Earth to nurture her as a figure skater. After considering who would be suitable parents for her, God chose us,” he said.

“My wife and I have had much difficulty. Sometimes, we even thought about giving up our support for Yu-na’s figure skating. But whenever we faced difficulty, we got support and our challenge was surprisingly resolved. God has probably looked after us since he gave Yu-na to us.”

- Kim Yu-na`s Proud Father Speaks About Daughter

The Koreans obviously love her:


Via Cassie:


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