Kim Yu-na Picks New Coach, Petter Oppegard
Olympic figure skating champion, Kim Yuna has finally named a new coach, Petter Oppegard, two months after cutting ties with former coach Brian Orser. She will be training with Oppegard at East West Ice Palace in suburban Los Angeles, which is owned and operated by the family of former skating star Michelle Kwan. Oppegard is married to Kwan’s sister, Karen.
Oppegard won three U.S. pairs titles with Jill Watson, and was inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 2004. He and Watson also won the bronze medal at the 1987 world championships and the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.
Yuna also mentioned that living in Los Angeles was “much more convenient” and she already knew the area since she’s been coming here to train for years.
“I need to be in an environment where the skating rink can support me,” she said. “I think everyone in Korea understands why I have to be overseas.”
Well, its nice to hear that she’s got a new coach. Yes, it was Brian Orser who coached her into winning a lot of championships but since they are unable to work together now for reasons of their own, I also find it exciting to see what are the new dimensions to Kim Yuna’s skating and performance Petter Oppegard could bring out. At least I think that’s a lot more interesting that watching out for social security disability insurance.
Here’s to wishing Queen Yuna good luck!
Via ESPN, East West Ice Palace, Hanopolis.
