Kim Yu-na to Keep Low Profile in Vancouver

A representative of IB Sports, which manages world figure skating champion Kim Yu-na, appeared yesterday at Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver during the men`s figure skating competition.

Along with a Korean staff member, the representative looked around the place, inspected several doors, and asked whether spectators could use them. He also determined how Kim can move from the entrance to the waiting room.

The figure skating star arrives in Vancouver today and will stay there for several days. Her fans or other Korean athletes will find it hard to see her, however, except when she competes in the short program and free skating next week.

Her hotel and schedule remain confidential, with only her official training schedule being released.

Kim will stay in a Vancouver hotel with her mother, coach Brian Orser, her physical therapist and manager instead of in the athletes’ village. She chose to stay in a hotel to stay in the best shape possible.

She will be treated by her physical therapist and her manager will handle her schedule. On her secret accommodation, IB Sports said, “We know that journalists will eventually find out where Kim is staying, but we hope they won’t release it.”

Kim will also give fewer news conferences and interviews. She had initially planned a meeting with reporters at the airport today, but IB Sports canceled it over fears over a flood of journalists.

She will give just two or three interviews after training.

The Korean Olympic team is providing a lot of support for Kim, including allocating two of its eight cars to her and letting two English-speaking volunteers familiar with the city to help her.

While putting the final touches on her programs in Toronto, Kim said she watched Korean athletes compete in Vancouver on her breaks. She even changed her costume and program for the gala show.

Mao Asada of Japan, Kim’s top rival for the gold medal, will arrive in Vancouver tomorrow. Asada is looking for a separate ice rink to hold closed training. Her compatriot Miki Ando has poured her energy into training since arriving in Vancouver Monday.

creating@donga.com