(Image from - http://www.thesportscorp.org/html/sportsCorp/sga/opening_ceremony.html)I was 12 years old when Michelle Kwan first stepped onto the ice at the 1998 Nagano Olympic games. Having already been a fan of ice skating since I was little, I was already familiar with the her name, her skating and her drive to win Olympic gold. At 12, I felt like I wanted her to win as much as she did. When she did not when that year, when Tara Lipinski stood and received her gold medal, I nearly cried.
After that, I followed Michelle Kwan's skating career more than I ever had for any athlete. I read all the biographies the library had on her, read skating magazines, and watched every skating event that was televised in which she participated.
And again 2002, I watched as she skated in Salt Lake City, again wanting her to win, and again having to watch as someone else received the gold medal.
I didn't follow skating as much after 2002. At 16, I was finding other things to occupy my time rather than skating. But still Michelle Kwan remained a favorite and anytime I came across skating on TV, or a mention of her name, I always paid attention. I had the opportunity to see her skate twice during the "Champions on Ice" tour. Both times, when she appeared it was obvious that she was the crowds favorite. Even after the 2002 Olympics when Sarah Hughes toured with "Champions" after winning Olympic gold, there was no doubt that it was Kwan the audience loved.
When the 2006 Olympic games were beginning, I didn't recognize the names of many of the skaters. I hadn't watched the World Championships in several years, I had not kept up with the world of skating like I once had. But I still recognized the name of Michelle Kwan, and I hoped that maybe this year, she would finally win. But then came the devastating news that she would not be competing due to injury. As I watched her announce the news, I cried. I did not realize that I still wanted to see her win so much. But having once followed her career so closely, I knew how much it meant for her to give up this chance. At the same time I respected her for making the decision to step down knowing that she had to do what was right for herself.
After that, there was not much news about Michelle Kwan and what she was doing. At least not in the circles I was following. Until I read this mornings announcement that she would not be participating 2010 Olympics as she would be pursing a graduate degree for International Relations at Tufts University.
The article on Yahoo Sports commented on what an amazing skater she was, and how even though she is no longer skating, she is still living her life. She really is America's Sweetheart. Her talent was amazing, and though she never received the Olympic gold medal, does not make her any less of a skater. Her career shone brightly, and hopefully it still will, just in a different arena. I respect her and her choice. And I hope that she will long be remembered for her grace and elegance on ice, as well what ever may come next for her.
Good luck Michelle!
