South Korean figure skater Kim Yuna broke the world record for scoring in a women's short program at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics Tuesday night. American skaters Rachel Flatt and Mirai Nagasu are within reach of a medal in fifth and sixth place.

With enormous pressure on Kim, who has only lost once since finishing third at the Worlds in 2008, she skated a flawless, magical routine to a medley of James Bond songs.

"I had waited a long time for the Olympics," Kim said. "I had ample time to practice and prepare, so I wasn't shaky or nervous just because it was the Olympics. I was able to relax and enjoy the competition."

Kim is the most famous celebrity in South Korea, where she is dubbed "Queen Yu-na." She is unable to leave her home without bodyguards. Kim trains in Toronto with former Olympic silver medalist Brian Orser.

Kim's main rival, Mao Asada of Japan, also skated a flawless routine and is right behind Kim in second position.

“I am very relieved,” Asada, the 2008 world champion, said. “This is the best short program I have skated this year. I am really happy with it. I tried to stay calm.”

Canada's Joanie Rochette skated an emotional performance two days after her mother died of a sudden heart attack. Upon finishing her short program, she collapsed in tears. Rochette is in third place and in good medal position going into the long program.

Seventeen-year-old Flatt, in her first Olympics, scored a personal best of 64.64 and landed in fifth place within reach of the podium.

“I came in as the underdog and I was just having a great time,” she said. “I’m savoring the moment. I had the time of my life.”

Nagasu, 16, encountered an unexpected bloody nose during her routine. “Even though I felt the blood come down my nose, I said, ‘Don’t stop, keep going,’ ” she said, blaming the dry air for her malady. “I still did the best I could.”

The ladies' skate for the gold Thursday night on NBC, KARK Ch. 4 in Little Rock at 7 pm CST.