The hopes of Korea’s ice dance team, Lim Hae-na (19) and Quan-ye (22, Canada, Lee Sang-gyun) set foot on Korean soil after a long time.
Lim Hae-na and Quan-ye arrived at Gimpo International Airport on the afternoon of the 17th. They participated as Korean representatives at the 2023 International Skating Union (ISU) Figure Skating World Team Trophy held at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on the 16th.
Together with their teammates, they wore the Taegeuk mark and participated in the team trophy, a national team event, and won a silver medal around their necks. In particular, the pair of Lim Hae-na and Quan-ye received a personal best score of 109.27 in the free dance. In addition, the total score of 179.23 points combined with the rhythm dance score of 71.08 was their highest score.토스카지노
Those who arrived at Gimpo International Airport with their colleagues had an interview with reporters. Lim Hae-na said, “This competition was very good because I competed with my Korean teammates and it was really nice to cheer each other on.”
“I’m happy and proud to have competed in this competition, and thank you for your support,” said Quan Ye.
Regarding the team trophy free dance and total score, Lim Hae-na said, “The preparation time was short. So I was nervous before going to the competition.”
Lin Hae-na and Quan-ye played an active part in the junior stage this season. In order to participate in the team trophy, they modified the rhythm dance with senior competition elements and the existing free dance program (dance of death) to suit seniors.
Haena Lin and Quanye, who competed in the Junior World Championships, which ended early last month, practiced the newly revised program in a short time.
Lim Hae-na said, “It was our last tournament of the season, so I really wanted to do well. But I was very happy to receive my personal best score.”
Quanye, whose nationality is Canadian, must be naturalized as a Korean citizen to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. At ISU International Competitions, athletes in mixed events may compete with either nationality. However, in the case of the biggest stage, the Olympics, both players must have the same nationality.
Quan Ye described herself as a ‘Korean skater’ on her personal social media. “Right now, I’m competing for the Korean national team, so I took to social media as a Korean skater,” he said, adding, “I’m going through the official naturalization process (for the Olympics).”
After visiting Korea for the first time in a while, they will spend time with their families and leave on the 21st.