Kim Yu-na vows peak performance through mind control at Grand Prix Final

By Sam Kim

GOYANG, South Korea, Dec. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korean figure skater Kim Yu-na said Thursday she is making it a high priority to insulate herself from the heated crowd and rivalry when she bids for her third straight title at the Grand Prix Final opening this week in her home country.

Speaking to reporters following a closely watched practice session at an ice rink
in the city of Goyang, just outside Seoul, the 18-year-old said she is excited
about the event being held in her country for the first time, but added the
competition is her sole focus.
"I wish my competitors do their best, as much as I do for myself. But I only want
to concentrate on my own performance without much worrying about the rivalry,"
she said.
Kim, ranked just behind world No. 1 Mao Asada of Japan, is coming off her second
Grand Prix series win of the season in China, which guaranteed her a spot in the
Final event that ends on Sunday.
She will compete against five other top-ranked figure skaters, including Asada,
on Friday and Saturday. Tickets have flown off the shelves, as the teenager
commands a fan base as huge as any top actress.
"At first, I was worried I might be intimidated by too loud a crowd. But many
Korean fans boosted me when I performed in China, almost as if I had been playing
in my own country," she said. "I think I can bring back that experience and
perform without much straining this time, too.
Kim, a high school student who was recently granted admission to Korea University
in Seoul, has shown peak form by winning the last five consecutive Grand Prix
series events she has competed in since 2006.
"I have tried hard to maintain my condition since the Cup of China contest.
Nothing much as changed as far as choreography and techniques are concerned. I'll
just try to be cleaner and stabler in what I have been doing," she said.