Kim of South Korea Became Olympic Champion in Figure Skating

Kim Yu-Na of South Korea had come up to expectation of her fans and sport experts and took a gold medal in the women's figure skating on Thursday.

Photo: Kim of South Korea Became Olympic Champion in Figure Skating

Kim scored 150.06 in her free programme at the Pacific Coliseum for a world-record total of 228.56 to win gold ahead of Japan's Mao Asada in 205.50.

Home favourite Joannie Rochette, whose mother recently died, beat Mirai Nagasu of the United States to the bronze.

Rochette's mother died of a heart attack only four days ago.

The Canadian skater received a standing ovation before and after her routine and her bronze medal was warmly received by the thousands of spectators inside the Pacific Coliseum.

Kim is the reigning world champion and led going into Friday's free skate and produced a fine performance to seal the gold in Vancouver.

The 19-year-old has made a habit of spectacular performances, but even she was dazzled by this one.

She said "Oh my god!" when she saw the monstrous score - a mark her top competitors can only dream of - and coach Brian Orser pumped both arms, shaking his clasped fists over each shoulder.

It will go down as one of the greatest performances in figure skating history, and is South Korea's first medal at the Winter Olympics in a sport other than speed skating.

"I can't believe this day has finally come for me," said Kim.

BBC Sport has contributed to the report.