In honor of the Olympic gold medalist’s great achievements, LA City Council decided to give Kim Yu-na an honorary citizenship and establish her day. She also received the “Proud Korean Award” from the Korean-American Leadership Foundation. Kim visited LA on August 7 to receive the award.

The award is given to Korean-Americans who have made Koreans proud. Even though Kim is not a Korean-American and she mainly stays in Toronto, her accomplishments over the past years have certainly made Koreans proud. She also has a great influence on Koreans all over the world.

“Kim made her country very proud with her achievements. Korean-Americans are very proud of her,” said LA Council member Herb Wesson. “She is a wonderful role model for them.”

LA is a special city for Kim. She won her first world title in the city last year. Now she is an honorary citizen of LA. “I’m very happy to have my own day in this beautiful city,” said Kim with a bright smile. “I’d like to visit here often.”

The figure skating queen met with LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and donated a pair of skates with her signature on them. The special skates will be kept at City Hall permanently. Let’s hope her skates will inspire many Korean-Americans living in LA to achieve great things like her!