Kim Yu-na likely to keep competing despite Grand Prix snub

Figure skating superstar Kim Yu-na, 21, will likely continue her athletic career.

Finishing second at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Moscow that ended Sunday, Kim returned to Korea Monday. At a news conference at the Incheon International Airport, she said, “I have schedules for the promotion of Korea’s bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang through July, and I need time to rest.”

"I think I cannot compete at the next Grand Prix season (2011-12). I cannot participate in all competitions next season as I did the past season. I`ll release my detailed schedules later on.”

Kim boycotted the Grand Prix series to focus on the world championships this season, and her comments might hint at her athletic career continuing through next season.

“I feel I`ve gotten stronger physically over the past several years,” she said, adding, “As for previous championships (in Moscow), I thought I would fail to regain the good physical condition I had at the Vancouver Winter Olympics, but I was able to prepare myself to a level almost as good as that time.”

Since Kim has no problems with physical stamina, chances are high that she could continue competing through the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, if she can overcome stress from participation in competitions.

After attending a three-day ice show at Seoul’s Jamsil Stadium from Friday, Kim will participate in briefings of Winter Olympic host city candidates in Lausanne, Switzerland on May 18 and 19. Then she will attend the International Olympic Committee`s general assembly in Durban, South Africa on July 6.

creating@donga.com