Kim Yu-na Named `Sportswoman of the Year` by US Group

Olympic figure skating champion Kim Yu-na was named Sportswoman of the Year Wednesday by the Women`s Sports Foundation of the U.S.

Kim is the first Asian-born athlete to win the honor and the third non-American to do so after Mexican golfer Lorena Ochoa in 2007 and Swedish golfer Annika Sorenstam in 2004.

The foundation conducted an online vote on its Web site, where Kim beat professional bowler Kelly Kulick, wheelchair basketball player and skier Alana Nichols, track and field athlete Sanya Richards, and yacht racer Anna Tunnicliffe. The online voting was based on each player’s performance from Aug. 1 last year through July 31 this year.

Established in 1974 by tennis great Billie Jean King, the foundation has selected the best female athlete of the year since 1980. Kim’s idol Michelle Kwan won the honor in 1998.

At the award ceremony, Kim said, “This is an honor. Young girls still don’t actively participate in sports in many countries due to social conventions. I was able to learn the spirit of fair play and camaraderie. Through this award, I hope to play a small part in helping young girls start and enjoy figure skating."

noel@donga.com