**Figure Skating Olympic Medalists in the United States and South Korea**

The history of figure skating in the Olympic Games features prominent athletes from various countries, with the United States and South Korea being particularly notable in the sport. The second Olympic medalist in figure skating from these countries, Beatrix Loughran from the United States and Kim Yeon-ah from South Korea, exemplify the prowess and achievements of their respective nations in this elegant and demanding sport.

### Beatrix Loughran: The United States' Second Olympic Medalist in Figure Skating

Beatrix Loughran, an American figure skater, holds the distinction of being one of the early pioneers of women's figure skating. Born in 1900 in New York, Loughran made significant contributions to the sport during the 1920s. Her Olympic journey is a testament to the early days of competitive figure skating, which was then a relatively new addition to the Olympic Games, having been introduced in the Summer Olympics in 1908 and transitioning to the Winter Games in 1924.

At the 1924 Winter Olympics in Chamonix, Loughran competed in the women's singles event, marking her first Olympic appearance. She exhibited exceptional skill and grace, earning her a silver medal. This achievement made her the second American figure skater to win an Olympic medal in figure skating following Theresa Weld Blanchard who had secured a bronze in the same event. Loughran's success did not end there; she continued to showcase her talents in subsequent competitions, securing another silver medal at the 1928 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz, and further contributing to the early development of figure skating in the United States.

Loughran's legacy is remembered for not just her technical skills and artistic expression on the ice, but also for setting a precedent for future generations of American figure skaters.

### Kim Yeon-ah: South Korea's Second Olympic Medalist in Figure Skating

Kim Yeon-ah, known professionally as Yuna Kim, is one of the most celebrated figure skaters in South Korean history. Born in 1990 in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, Kim began skating at a relatively young age and quickly rose through the ranks to become a dominant figure on the international stage. 

Her most notable achievements came in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, where she won the gold medal in women's singles, delivering a stunning performance that set new record scores under the International Skating Union's judging system. This victory was monumental not just for Kim but for South Korea, as it represented the country's first Olympic gold medal in figure skating.

Kim did not rest on her laurels; she continued to compete at the highest level, culminating in another impressive performance at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. There, she claimed a silver medal, narrowly missing a consecutive gold. These accomplishments positioned Kim Yeon-ah as the second South Korean figure skater to win an Olympic medal in figure skating, following her compatriot Lee Kyu-hyun, who had secured a bronze medal in short track speed skating, which contributed to the country's standing in the Winter Olympic sports.

### Conclusion

The stories of Beatrix Loughran and Kim Yeon-ah, from two vastly different eras and continents, underscore the universal appeal and competitive spirit of figure skating. They both not only succeeded in securing medals for their countries but also in inspiring future generations of skaters and elevating the sport within their respective nations. Their legacies continue to influence aspiring skaters and remain integral parts of the history of figure skating in the Olympic Games.