Kim Yu-na named ambassador for PyeongChang's Olympic bid

SEOUL, April 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korean figure skating sensation Kim Yu-na was
appointed Tuesday as an honorary ambassador for PyeongChang's third bid to host
the 2018 Winter Olympics, city officials said.
PyeongChang, in the country's northeastern Gangwon province and famed for its
alpine resorts, was confirmed last week as South Korea's candidate city for the
world's biggest winter sporting event. It is set to begin its international
campaign after submitting a formal application to the International Olympic
Committee around October.
"The PyeongChang Olympics will be an excellent chance to develop winter sports in
South Korea," said the 19-year-old Kim, who also served as an ambassador for the
city's last bid in 2007.
"It gives me joy to imagine that young Korean figure skaters might compete in the
international competition held in their native land."
But she added that she felt sorry she would not get the same chance to skate
before an Olympic home crowd until 2018.
Kim took her first gold in the world championship event in March and is one of
the strongest candidates to win gold in the women's single in the upcoming 2010
Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada.
The iconic star is expected to represent South Korea and PyeongChang on the world
stage and participate in showcase events during the international campaign.
"South Korea has been criticized for its poor winter sports results in
international tournaments," said Governor of Gangwon Province Kim Jin-sun, who
heads the city's bidding committee. "Kim, who has become a globally recognized
athlete by winning the world championship and other competitions, will silence
that criticism. She will be a tremendous help for PyeongChang's bid."
PyeongChang was edged out by Vancouver, Canada, in its bid for the 2010 Winter
Games, and by Sochi, Russia, for 2014. It is expected to compete for the 2018
event with Germany's Munich and France's Annecy until the IOC announces the host
city in 2011 in Durban, South Africa.
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)