Sports

Skater Kim Yu-Na Dumps Coach Brian Orser
By wchung | 07 Jun, 2026

No Looking Back: Kim Yu-Na drops the coach who helped her win Olympic gold with record scores.

Brian Orser has learned that he will no longer be coaching Korean skating star Kim Yu-na, Orser’s agency IMG revealed Monday.

Orser was told on August 2 by Kim’s mother Park Mee-hee and AT Sports, Kim’s Korean agency, that “he would no longer be retained to coach Kim,” according to IMG’s press release.

“No reason was given for the sudden and unexpected decision,” the release read, continuing, “At the present time Kim continues to train at the Cricket Club in Toronto, Canada.”

“I am honored to have worked with such a talented and gifted skater,” Orser is quoted as saying. “I wish her all the best as she moves forward in her skating career.”

The 49-year-old Orser has been Kim’s coach since 2006. He helped her win the gold medal at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics with record scores in the short program (78.50), free skating (150.06) and overall points (228.56) under the new judging system. He also coached her to a world championship and two Grand Prix Final titles.

Orser won two Olympic silver medals for Canada,and remains the coach of S. Korean Kwak Min-jung and American Adam Rippon.

Kim Yu-Na earns a record score and a gold medal at the Vancouver Winter Olympics. Kim dropped Brian Orser as her coach. (AP Photo)