[Olympic Preview] Vaulter to represent S. Korea

Normally a fixture on the UCLA men’s track and field team,
pole vaulter Yoo Kim will have to stand alone in his upcoming
competition. But, then, again, Kim never feels he’s really
alone.

In just two weeks Kim will step on the international stage at
the Olympics to represent South Korea in the pole vault as its
record holder in the event. Though he may not have the comfort of
familiar teammates, Kim is confident he’ll have plenty of
support.

“There’s not much sense of team because you’re
pretty much competing for yourself,” Kim said. “It
allows for great friendships with your competitors to build along
the process.”

Currently training in Germany, Kim has been working with
European track and field athletes in preparation for the upcoming
competition. But he’s also developing friendships within the
pole vault community, saying he has been “blessed” with
the new relationships he’s developed there.

But, in Germany, Kim has been without Anthony Curran,
UCLA’s pole vaulting coach. Still, he’s taking it all
in stride.

“Unfortunately (Curran) is not here,” Kim said.
“But I’m learning a lot about myself as a vaulter. I
feel that I am slowly becoming a student of the pole vault. That, I
am realizing, is the key to success in this sport.”

Although Kim may be learning a lot about his event across the
Atlantic Ocean, he went there with an already successful
resume. A two-time All-American, Kim finished second at the
NCAA Championships with a personal record-setting jump of 18 feet
4.5 inches. That vault moved him up to third on the all-time Bruin
list and also set a new record for Korean vaulters after he first
broke the record in 2003.

But the success that has put Kim at the top of Korean record
books has added more weight to his burden.

“Pressure, whether it may be little or big, will always be
there,” Kim said. “As an athlete, I think it would
be abnormal not to feel any pressure at all. It’s all
about how you can handle all the pressure and use it to your
advantage. So “¦ I do feel pressure.”

But despite the pressures and the stress of international
competition, the always positive Kim remains hopeful and optimistic
about representing his country.

“It’s definitely an honor. I couldn’t be more
proud to represent my country,” Kim said. “I hope that
in the future I can hope they can feel the same about
me.”