Yu-na’s manners medal-worthy, too

2010 Vancouver Olympics gold medalist Kim Yu-na sent a handwritten thank-you letter to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, according to a Tuesday posting on a blog written by U.S. Ambassador to Korea Kathleen Stephens.

Kim’s letter was in response to compliments Clinton paid Kim after meeting with Korean Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 26, the day after Kim’s free skating performance earned her an impressive 150.06 points, for a combined total of 228.56.

After meeting Yu, Clinton told reporters: “I’m very pleased to welcome the minister from the Republic of Korea, especially the day after that magnificent Olympic gold-medal winning performance.

“And I think, although it was one young woman who did so magnificently, I believe the whole country is celebrating ... She was extraordinary.”

In thanking Clinton for her “thoughts and gracious words,” Kim wrote, “It was very humbling to read newspapers reporting that you had complimented my performance. It was all the more touching as I have always held deep admiration for the inspiring woman that you are and the momentous work that you do.

“As I strive to do better on the ice, it is highly motivating to know that more people are enjoying my performance and that your thoughts are with me, Madam Secretary. I will push myself harder.”

In the blog, which is offered in both English and Korean, Stephens also offered descriptions of the meeting between Clinton and Yu.

“Secretary Clinton began by greeting Foreign Minister Yu with enthusiastic words of congratulations for Yu-Na Kim’s great performance,” wrote Stephens.

“Secretary Clinton related how she stayed up the previous evening too (I imagine she always has jet lag, with her schedule!) to watch the skaters, and how she telephoned her daughter Chelsea to marvel together at the extraordinarily high level and beautiful performances.”

Kim’s letter in its entirety was included in a posting titled, “Where were you when Yu-na won gold?” on Stephens’s Daum Cafe blog, http://blog.daum.net/ambassadorstephens.

By Jason Kim [jason@joongang.co.kr]