The Queen Returneth

Many bloggers and journalists have mourned the absense of the reigning olympic champion Yu-Na Kim during the recent grand prix series. A lack of charisma and performance particularly in the ladies event have left many of us hoping for her to return and inject some star quality back into figure skating again.

But the olympic champ has not been idle. Her long time choreographer, David Wilson has travelled to Yu-Na's new training base in LA and together they have created new programmes for her return. The short programme is to Giselle and the long is a 'Homage to Korea' including the famous folk tune Arirang. A tribute to her home country for the support they have shown her.

Yu-Na explained her music choices - "David Wilson had often recommended Arirang (one of the most famous Korean folk music) for program music. However, I had my reservations because I thought it was never the right time. After the success at the Olympics, I thought now is the right time to give back to the people of Korea and to thank them for their enthusiastic support."

 Her new coach Peter Oppegard says "It's a new level of sophistication in her movement. When we first met, the first thing she mentioned was about further enhancing her artistry. This program allows Yuna to expand her already well-known artistic abilities to new horizons." (Universal Sports)

Yu-Na will debut her new programmes at the World Championships in Tokyo in March. Her competitors may be dreading the queen's return. The audience cannot wait!