Kim Yu-na Sets World Record in Short Program

World figure skating champion Kim Yu-na yesterday got off to a flying start in her Olympic debut, setting a world record in the short program at Pacific Coliseum.

Kim earned a score of 78.50, well ahead of archrival Mao Asada of Japan with 73.78 and Joannie Rochette of Canada with 71.68.

Kim topped her previous personal best in the short program of 76.28 points set at the Grand Prix Final in November last year.

Before her performance, the Korean star athlete looked calm and composed. When her name was called, some 15,000 spectators began wildly cheering.

As the James Bond theme began playing, nothing was heard except the music and the sound of her skates on the ice. The entire audience watched Kim’s performance with undivided attention.

After completing her first triple lutz-triple toe loop combination, Kim went perfect the rest of the way. After ending the short program with a shooting pause, spectators gave her a standing ovation and drew a smile from the skater.

When her record score flashed on the scoreboard, she jumped for joy. “I was in the best condition. I hope I can do my best like I did today in the free skating event,” she said.

Another Korean figure skater making her Olympic debut, Kwak Min-jeong, 16, came in 16th place with 53.16 points. She qualified for the free skating competition Thursday.

creating@donga.com