As all eyes turn to the Olympic Games later this month, Willowdale residents will have an extra reason to pay close attention.

Competing for South Korea in the ladies’ figure skating competition, 19-year-old Yu-Na Kim has lived with her mother in the Yonge & Finch area over the last few years, honing her skills at the Toronto Cricket Skating & Curling Club.

“She’s the undeniable favourite, I think most people would say,” said top Canadian choreographer David Wilson. “She has an extreme talent.”

Kim arrived in Willowdale in May 2006 for a choreography program created by Wilson. Though only expected to be here for a few weeks, the impact of the neighbourhood and city on Kim was significant.

“She liked being here so much that she decided to stay,” said Wilson. “She and her mother love Toronto. They feel really at home here.”

The new environment seems to have had the desired effect on Kim, who won the World Championship in 2009. Wilson described the Cricket Club where he works with Kim, alongside former Canadian Olympians Brian Orser and Tracy Wilson, as warm and supportive.