What does Yu-Na Kim think of Caroline Zhang?

[Mathman]

Thanks for the translation, Sulphur. I don't see anything controversial in Kim's remarks. I'm glad she gave an honest assessment of her coming season, rather than just to have said, "all the skaters are excellent, I will just try to do my best."

To me, the more interesting part was when she said that she was hoping for Skate Canada, Skate America or Eric Bompard. I wish I knew what the order of selection was for the Grand Prix. Did these three events choose Ando and Asada over Kim, or did China and Russia grab up Kim first?

 

[flying camel]

Maybe its just me, but for some reason I find it difficult to warm to Kim. She is the type of skater I should like and I have liked skaters from all over, but I just cannot warm to this girl. There is just something about her that rubs me the wrong way. Maybe she will eventually grow on me.:frown2:

 

[Kwanford Wife]

Thanks for the new translation - although, I still don't see what the big deal was in the original article... Not to mention, I think it would be silly for Yuna to see Caroline as a huge threat espcially in comparison to skaters who have captured world medals... But of course, it is the off-season and fans will be fans... I, for one, cannot wait for the new season and hope that the skating warrants all of this drama...

 

[discoduck]

I don't understand why people were finding Kim's remarks controversial either. She's never competed against Caroline and may not have even seen her skate. (I could be wrong about that) How could she honestly assess whether or not she is a threat when she most likely doesn't even know?

 

[einna]

I don't understand why people were finding Kim's remarks controversial either. She's never competed against Caroline and may not have even seen her skate. (I could be wrong about that) How could she honestly assess whether or not she is a threat when she most likely doesn't even know?

I think some reacted violently with the statement where she said that Fumie and Carolina are more talented than Caroline. So some fans especially Caroline fans got offended. But it was quite obvious that the article is poorly translated so thanks for all who shed light on what Yu-na really said.

 

[discoduck]

I'm glad that someone clarified. I've always taken most translations with a grain of salt since it's very difficult to accurately know what anyone has actually said.

 

[Mathman]

And it's not just the translation, it's the editing. The reporter often tries to guide the interview down some pre-determined path and then edits it to bring out a slant that may be far from what the subject intended.

 

[feraina]

Over at FSU, they think we're hysterical over here! But they had the benefit of multiple additional translations early on in the thread, unlike us. From what the Korean-knowledgeable posters say over there, it sounds like Yu-na Kim told the Korean media recently that she thinks Caroline is very talented and may soon become a great rival, and that resulted in headlines such as "Yu-na very afraid of Caroline."

In this interview, the reporter apparently asked Yu-na what she thought of Caroline, and she replied something like she doesn't feel like she should be afraid of her "especially", given all the great skaters out there; perhaps it was an attempt to deflect some of the earlier hoopla. On the other hand, some Korean headlines of her latest interview ended up as "Yu-na says Caroline is still a junior skater, not a contender" !!!

In my opinion, it is the Korean media that's hysterical! How they distort poor Yu-na's comments. I understand why she prefers to live and train in Canada where she can have some peace and quiet.

Talk about pressure. I don't think the bit of hype we have here regarding Caroline is anything like what Yu-na endures over there. If the Korean media is this hysterical about every minor comment of Yu-na's, just imagine how they react to every competition Yu-na's in. Pity poor Yu-na...

 

[Zuranthium]

Why? and Why? Would you have said that about bubble gum style of Lipinsky and the notorious flutz?

Joe

Of course I would have wanted her to fix the Flutz. However, she had other obvious talents that more than made up for it. I'd love to see C. Zhang do a 3Loop/3Loop plus another 3/3 at the VERY end of her program.

And, Lipinsky's style was "joyous", not bubble gum. The performance that won her the Olympics showed a far greater depth of performance ability than what most skaters can do.

I think you should learn CoP,especially PCS and should know that rules are NOT for Yu Na Kim but for all skaters.

Huh?

Accidently doing too many combinations (or accidently going over the Zayak limit with certain jumps) is something that has unfairly hurt the marks of SEVERAL skaters. It has nothing to do with just Yu-Na...it's a problem within the CoP that needs to be changed.

~Z

 

[Mathman]

The performance that won her the Olympics showed a far greater depth of performance ability than what most skaters can do.

Just curious -- which of Tara's two performances did you think was the more profound? Her portayal of the cartoon character Anastasia (Tara herself said she felt like she "became Anastasia" in her SP)?

Or her interpretation (at age 15) of the seminal D.H. Lawrence work, The Rainbow (Tara's LP)? (This was the first book that got Lawrence in trouble with the censors, LOL, because of it's frank depiction of sexual themes and it's colloquial language. The sequel, Women in Love, was even "worse," by 1920's standards.)

 

[Zuranthium]

Is that even a real question? LOL.

Women in Love was a good film. I haven't seen The Rainbow (not that it matters) but I think Lipinski's performance of that music is just incredibly inspirational. Watching that performance makes me believe in humanity. So hurray.

The Anastasia performance was excellent too...just not as far-reaching.

~Z

 

[krenseby]

Just curious -- which of Tara's two performances did you think was the more profound? Her portayal of the cartoon character Anastasia (Tara herself said she felt like she "became Anastasia" in her SP)?

Or her interpretation (at age 15) of the seminal D.H. Lawrence work, The Rainbow (Tara's LP)? (This was the first book that got Lawrence in trouble with the censors, LOL, because of it's frank depiction of sexual themes and it's colloquial language. The sequel, Women in Love, was even "worse," by 1920's standards.)

Mathman, I do love your sense of humor, but you are being too tough on Tara. I mean, why is a teenager expected to come up with mature programs? Can't we let teenagers be teenagers anymore. Granted some young girls do have very sophisticated skating and really get into the spirit of their music. But for the ones that have youthful exuberance but not much depth, why reproach them for it?

 

[Mathman]

Quite right, quite right. Sorry, Tara.

Actually, I wsn't reproaching Tara, I was trying to make a joke at Zuranthium's expense, when he went on about the "depth" of Tara's performances.

I should have known better. Zuranthium is immune to any silliness I can come up with.

 

[Zuranthium]

Sorry, but Tara is really underrated. At least for her Olympic performances. I do think her LP especially had a lot of "depth" as that program containted many changes of tempo and she matched it perfectly.

~Z

 

[R.D.]

Tara? Tara who?

Not Lipinski, right? 'cause she was 10 years ago and this is a topic more or less about the FUTURE of skating...right? :scratch:

 

[Mathman]

^ But maybe Caroline will be the next Tara -- U.S. and World champion at 14! :yes:

 

[Zuranthium]

Caroline can't even go to Worlds until 2010, right?

~Z

 

[carolinefan177]

Sigh...

Yu-Na's not my favorite skater (I have the same feelings as flyinh camel), but I think she is one of the most talented. I also adore Caroline (hence my username), but I don't think that Yu-Na was aiming to be rude like some posters have indicated. A rough translation coupled with the media's desire to create yet another rivalry is sure to lead to controversy. People just need to stop bashing other fans of the sport. We're a figure skating FAMILY.

Where's the love people? Where's the love?

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

Just curious -- which of Tara's two performances did you think was the more profound? Her portayal of the cartoon character Anastasia (Tara herself said she felt like she "became Anastasia" in her SP)?

Or her interpretation (at age 15) of the seminal D.H. Lawrence work, The Rainbow (Tara's LP)? (This was the first book that got Lawrence in trouble with the censors, LOL, because of it's frank depiction of sexual themes and it's colloquial language. The sequel, Women in Love, was even "worse," by 1920's standards.)

Tara is apparently learning how to act but I can not see her in these films. That bubble gum look will get in the way. Consecutive loop jumps do not a skater make. Competitively, she knew how to worm her way into winning but artistically, she was still a bouncing ball. Absolutely, a one style skater. Technically, she did everything on the flat.

Joe

 

[Kypma]

Caroline can't even go to Worlds until 2010, right?

~Z

Actually, she can go to 2009 Worlds, she'll be fifteen in May 2008.

Kypma