Leave a message for Michelle
If you wish to send a positive message to Michelle, please post it in this thread:
http://www.mkforum.net/forum/showthread.php?t=10779
We will be sending it to Michelle soon.
If you are not a registered MKF member yet, and cannot post in that thread, please leave your message here, and we will include it with the posts from the thread mentioned.
ETA, the messages in this thread have been printed out already, thanks everyone for the amazing response!!
Posted by: Heather
Michelle, You are by far the best figure skater the sport has ever seen. Your grace in withdrawing due to not being “l00%” exemplifies your great heart, your courage and your integrity. Judging in the past two Olympics did not reward the true champion- you- but no one can take away from you the fact that you have brought more to the sport than anyone ever has, that you epitomize grace and beauty on the ice, and that you are
indeed, a champion. I believe God has something better ahead for you than an Olympic gold medal- for now. You are the best. No one else has accomplished what you have or has the respect you so deserve. May God bless you during your recovery and guide you in your plans for the future.
Ever since I was in the seond grade I have watched you skate. I remeber always tuning in to the t.v. if I heard there was a program w/ you on it. I have been captured by your gracefulness. You are such a great model. I Read that you are majoring in phsycology and I am also cosidering that feild of study. I just waned you to know that you are a really good role model and also,of course, a really good skater.
Dear Michelle,
I am so very proud of you and the way you handled yourself with such grace,honesty and integrity in withdrawing from the Olympics.Even in the last moment still representing the United States and wanting the best for our figure skating representation. My heart goes out to you, I know it was a difficult decision. Please know you have hundreds of supporters, who think of you as the Champion of Figure skating. May God speed your recovery and put you on the road to success that you so deserve.
We love you, Michelle!!!
Michelle:
I have watched and admired you for many years. As a big skating fan, I am qualified to say you are the greatest female skater I have ever seen. I have watched all the US from Peggy F-Sasha C. your combination of artistry and technical abilities along with your indomitable spirit is unmatched. Thanks for all you have done. Continue to skate and brighten our lives.
I am but a former marine, now a Black Belt (that judges a world Championships), and Preident of a company.
Your spirit has brightened my life as well as my wife’s.
Thanks
dpcrothers@palomardisplays.com
Carlsbad, ca
Michelle,
My heart is with you this week as you have made the most difficult decission of your career. I have followed your progress since you were a little girl (and I was not much older!); I have cheered for you and cried tears of joy and sorrow with you. You have made skating special and I have grown to respect and honor you for your grace and beauty both on and off the ice. You are a gold medal winner in my book!
Good luck with your future, whatever you decide. I hope to see you back on the ice soon.
Get well soon!
First of all let me say that I hope you get well soon. Next I want to say this, I can’t even imagine how disappointed you must be as I have never wanted to compete in a sport as you have. I wish that I could say that your decision to pull out of the Olympics will be easy for you to get over, but I think that you are smarter than that. I just hope that you don’t let this one event define you. You are so much more than a wonderful skater as I’m sure your family has no doubt told you. As for your skating prowess, it is legendary. I watch you skate and I am in awe not only by how masterfully you execute but by seeing how much you truly love what you do. It is that apparent. You have brought so many people so much joy simply by sharing your gift. I wish you happiness and peace and may God go with you because I don’t think that He is finished with you just yet.
Dear Michelle,
I’m sure I speak for millions when I say that in our hearts, you have won the gold many times over. Your courage, class, and integrity make you stand out as a wonderful role model to so many. God bless you and may you have a speedy recovery. I know that you will succeed in anything you decide to do from here on out. Thank you!
Michelle, I feel like we’ve grown up together. My mother is a big figure skating fan, so you were always on the TV while I was growing up. You have guts, girl. Your determination and talent together with your family’s support have brought you to the heights of your field - you have already become the most well known female athelete of our generation… and you still have most of your life ahead of you ^_^. What now? You know we all want to know. Thank you for gracing us with your indomitable spirit.
- Grant (curingcancer@gmail.com) in Texas
Michelle,
Having had to make a similarly difficult decision in my life, also leading to life-altering disappointment (albeit not in the public eye, like you), my heart simply aches for you. With time, I hope that the heaviness of your heart lifts, and that you will see that your decision to drop out in the most graceful of manners will define your career; NOT the lack of one medal. And once you decide to leave competitive skating you will also realize that while skating was a huge part of your life, it is not who you are; your ability to do the right thing for our Olympic team clearly demonstrates that you are so very much more than a skater.
Take care of yourself, and know that you’ll be known as the greatest for generations to come.
Michelle, ever since I first saw you back in 1994, you have taken my breath away time and time again. For anyone to do that is truly amazing and I thank you for all the great moments in your career. I remember when you won your very first nationals when I was 6 and I shouted at the TV “Michelle Kwa! That’s Michelle Kwa!”. Granted I couldn’t completely pronounce your name at that time because I was so excited.
You are the most decorated American skater of all time and over the coming years, no one will ever rival you. As a fellow Southern Californian, seeing a hometown heroine accomplish so much brings a tear of joy to my eye. For your kind spirit and indomitable passion, you have won gold in my heart and the hearts of many.
The United States may have a void on their Olympic team at Torino this year but you never ever have a void in your heart! Thanks for the memories and I wish you the best of luck with everything for the future on and off the ice.
~Troy
Michelle - I’ve never been a big fan of skating until you came along. Your performances move me like no other. I hope you keep on doing what you love, because you’ve got fans that love you from all over the world. You are truly legendary. Thank you for being you.
Michelle, You have honored your sport and your country for many years. This week you honored yourself and your family by making a very difficult decision and doing what was best for yourself and the olympics. My now 18 year old daughter has been a huge fan of yours since she was a very young girl. She’s never been on a pair of skates but your heart and determination have always been an inspiration to her. Thank you for being a young woman that girls can look up to. No one volunteers to be a role model but you are a wonderfull example for young people to look to for inspiration.
Best of luck. I hope you will be healthy enough for your ice show tour. We are looking forward to seeing you in Boston.
Be well,
Ron, Cheryl and Melissa
From the moment I heard your decision to bow out of the Olympics, I wanted to send you a message telling you what a gracious young woman I think you are. I cannot begin to imagine the mixed emotions you must have or the disappointment you must feel. I can only say I admire your integrity and courage in making such a difficult decision. I have watched you since your first Olympic appearance and have been awed by your elegance and beauty on and off the ice. What a wonderful role model for young women! The composure and selflessness you showed this week is awe-inspiring. You have brought such class to figure skating in your amazing career, and it has given me hope for the future of the sport. I would very much like to see you skate again–perhaps in the professional circuit–but of course would not presume to know your future plans. You have given so much to the sport, and for that I thank you. May God continue to bless you in whatever path you choose, and may He be your guide and your support in the future.
Ms. Kwan–I admire your ethics and stance with regard to your response to NBC’s offer to work with the network during the Olympic skating events. You already possess “the gold” in my eyes and in the eyes of so many of your admirers. Sincerely, Mrs. Cathy Rochelle, Houma, LA
Michelle,
There are no words which will be sufficient enough to describe the amazing skater you are. You truly are an inspiration to all. Upon hearing about your withdrawal, nothing but sadness filled my mind, for I have watched you even as a I was a young girl.. now 15. I hope you know that your legacy will live forever.. to millions of people around the world, you already posess the gold. You are a genuine and beautiful person.. whose impact on the ice skating world will reign throughout history. I know winning gold was your dream, but know that you do not need a material item to tell you that you truly are the best… for it is already known.
Best of luck for your future!
Jackie
Michelle,
My heart goes out to you. I can’t even imagine what you are going through. Your decision to withdraw from the Olympics and give up on a chance to make your dream of becoming an Olympic Champion must have been beyond difficult. I am in awe by your courage, integrity, honesty, grace and class that you continue to show. By far you are truly a champion both on and off the ice. Even in a dark moment, you shine.
You have a heart of true champion, which is gold, and it is even rarer than any gold medal. It isn’t something that is easily scheduled to occur every four years, it is achieved only by extremely special individuals.
I have been a fan since you entered the senior scene. The first time I saw you skate, it was like, wow, she’s special, and definitely one to watch! I’ve watched ever since and have continued to be awed by you and your skating. The God given gift and talent you’ve shared with us all, has been truly that, a gift. We have all been so blessed by very many magical moments you’ve given us. For that I am thankful. Thank you for all your continued hard work and all the sacrifices you’ve made to be the best! You’ve given the figure skating world a lot to be grateful for. Thank you too to your family, for I’m sure they played a big part of who you have become, and they must be very proud.
Please take care of yourself, and allow yourself time to heal both physically and emotionally. Please know that you are not alone, and that prayers will be said for your wellbeing.
May God continue to watch over you and bless you in all you choose to do. Although you may not have achieved you dream of Olympic Champion this Olympics remember that God does work in mysterious ways. He definitely has a bigger plan for you. With God, all things are possible! I believe!
When God closes a door, he always opens another one. May you find that door to be even brighter than all those you’ve opened already.
Aloha,
~Sharon
rss45hi@my.tupperware.com
Michelle, It is always been a pleasure to watch you skate since the day you and your family asked me and my wife at Lake Arrowhead in 1993 to come watch you skate because you were going to the Olympics in Norway. Jerry
Michelle,
My heart aches for you even as I marvel at your grace and strength at this difficult time. I cannot imagine how you must be feeling but if it helps to know you are loved, then know it. I’ve watched you since you were 12 and competed at what was our national sports festival and I knew the little girl with the big double axel was special. I just didn’t know how special. You touch my heart every time you skate like no one has since Janet Lynn. I hope to see you skate again soon, even if it’s just COI or something similar. You have been a gift to the sport and I am grateful to have been here to receive it.
Michelle, I am not sure you will ever read this but after watching your withdraw from the Olympics I was moved to tell you how impressed I was with your poise and grace. I can’t imagine how hard that was for you to do. You are an amazing role model to all young ladies in or out of skating. Thank you. I wish you the best.
Michelle since your were a 12 yr old girl looking kind of scare of the “big” girls I’ve being a fan. Your grace and beauty cough my attention and has not left me since. Everybody will say that the Olympic Gold escape you, but just by doing what you did this past weekend it sure shows your love for the sport and how great you are. It takes courage and greatness to let others shine in your spot. YES, YOURS, because for many people in the world you are Figure Skating. I am sure you do not know how much you have given to the sport, but let asure you everybody knows you are gold anywhere you go.
I am very proud to say that I an American because of you. Thank you.
And hope you can come back to grace us with your beautiful skating
Hector
Michelle, You always have and always will be my hero. I hope to be like you and have the curage to reach for my dreams. Thank you for all the inspiration you’ve given us all through the years!!!
Michelle, You are the best, most beautiful, picture of perfection skater the world has ever seen. You have achieved more in the sport of figure skating that anyone ever has or ever will. You are a true champion regardless of what color medal hangs around your neck. I was so looking forward to watching you skate this season and especially at this Olympics, and so,I, like your other thousands and millions of fans just ache for you and share in your disappointment. Please know that you are not alone. We are all out here pulling for you to rest and heal and to be able to get back on the ice in whatever direction your career takes you. You do not need an Olympic gold medal to be #1. You have proved yourself to be #1 over and over, both on and off the ice. I am so glad that I was at 2003 Worlds in Wash., D.C. and watched a packed arena stand and give you such adulation after a beautifully skated program. I will never forget that moment. May there still be many more moments like that in your career, whether amateur or professional. May God bless you in your recovery and guide you in your future.
Dear Michelle,
I have been sick for a long time, and I know how hard it is to recover from it. I am glad that I am gradually recovering, and I believe that you can do it, too. Good luck on your recovery.
Best luck,
Dear Michelle:
It was my hope to see you perform and win in the Olympic. However, I do not disappoint either to know that you withdraw. I think the heart is the most important. You know how you feel and made the hardest decision in your life, but I think your decision leads you to create more values for yourself, family, community and society as a whole. Never giving up! This is not the end of the world.
I would like to share this poem which I composed to encourage a friend who was in similar situation. Since I am a buddhist, I use a few buddhist terms. Here it is:
Be Victorious!
“Never regret even a single step!
Everything is your benefits!
This is the meaning of being a Soka (value-creating) Lion,
Taking action,
Fighting for Justice
with courageous and a victorious heart!
Never regret even a single step
Everything is your benefits!
Nichiren (a buddhist month in 1200s) said,
“Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is like the roar of a lion.
What sickness can therefore be an obstacle?”
Never regret even a single step
Everything is your benefits!
Continue on
Live true to yourself
With an indormitable spirit!”
I continue to pray for your recovery and happiness. Keep smiling and with my respect.
Socheth
What can any of us say? Our hearts are breaking too for you. We want to comfort you and couldn’t possibly give to you all you have given to us. As I’ve watched the talented, gifted, dedicated athletes in figure skating there is a reality that something is missing. Your heart of grace. You do what no others have. Your incredible skill is combined with grace. The grace flows from you with a fluidity that few achieve. The sport has suffered a huge blow without you. The quest for more difficult tricks has sacrificed the beauty and grace of figure skating. You electrified and mesmerized the world with your “heart of grace” that dominated your huge, skilled and dedicated delivery of your performances. And even now you are still giving grace to your fellow athletes, your nation and the world.
Thank you for being you. You have given far more than you may ever know. You are loved not only for what you have achieved but who YOU are. May the Lord bless and keep you. May He make His face to shine upon you and give you peace.
Betty
Michelle, I just wanted you to know how much your skating has touched my heart and spirit … unlike no other skater ever has. As I’ve heard you say, “figure skating is just a sport.” But, through your sport you have deeply touched people with your grace on and off the ice. I pray that knowing this will bring peace to your spirit.
MICHELLE–
WISHING YOU THE VERY BEST IN THE FUTURE. YOU ARE A CHAMPION, GOLD
MEDAL CHAMPION, IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD. YOUR GRACE ON THE ICE IS UNMATCHED BY ANY SKATER!! YOUR PERSONALITY IS A JOY!! WE WILL MISS YOU IN THE COMPETITIONS SO VERY MUCH, ONE OF THE REASON I ALWAYS WATCH. WHAT A ROLE MODEL YOU ARE FOR ALL.
THANK YOU FOR ALL THE ENJOYMENT.
BARBARA HOPKEY
THORNTON, IOWA 50479
Michelle,
My friends and I have been following your remarkable career for over a decade. We are the same age, and it was inspiring to see someone as young as us show such tremendous class, creativity, and athleticism.
Your place in history is secure. Forever. You are an icon, and no one will overshadow you for a very long time. As importantly, however, your place in our hearts and minds is as secure, too. You are a champion, sure, but you are also a role model, a classy young woman, and a true inspiration for hundreds of thousands of people around the world. Fans and sponsors flock to you for more than your medals; it is your personality, sportsmanship, optimism, and wisdom that draws all of us to you.
And by staying true to your words and withdrawing, you have cemented your legacy — a legacy that is about more than medals, but about your class.
Michelle:
We love you and thank you for giving us the best of performance the last 12 years! Please go back the school to get the degree you want, and continue to skate! It will be hard for not able to see you skating! Best luck to you!
J&J
This senior citizen from New York City loves Michelle Kwan!
You are a super class act Michelle
& I have always loved watching you skate on tv & in person. I wish you the very best in whatever you do in your life (and you’re already doing so much!).
Hope to continue to watch you skate for a long, long time.
Michelle, I know you must be disappointed that you had to withdraw from the Olympics. Please believe it when I say you ARE a “golden girl” in our hearts. My regret is that I won’t be able to see you perform this winter. Relax,recouperate, then go pro! Wishing you all the best that life can offer.
Michelle, I cried after hearing you would not skate. YOU were the whole reason I was excited about the Olympics. It was then I realized the impact you have had on me with your bright talent and wonderful spirit. You have shown the world what integrity is all about. Know that I support your decision and so long to see you skate. Your Gold in my eyes. Love and support. Robin
Hi Michelle,
Never did this before and don’t know if you will get to read this, but wanted to tell you I will always be a fan of yours and you will always be the Queen of Figure Skating.
Dear Michelle,
I have never written a fan letter, but I have been so moved by your grace and personal bravery over the past few weeks that I felt I must write. I can’t imagine how disappointed you must feel, and I’m not going to be able to say anything that will change what happened. However, I hope that you read these letters from your fans, and know that you have touched us so genuinely, so deeply. And I hope that somehow you will be able to translate that knowledge into additional strength in your future. The best is yet to come for you.
You taught me so much everytime you stepped on the ice. The humility, grace, and elegance you showed when accepting the bronze and silver medals in the previous Winter Olympics taught me so much about wanting to have something so bad, being denied, disappointed, yet still be dignified. It was amazing. I don’t know if I could have learned these lessons from anyone else. Despite what happened in Torino, I truly believe you are beyond anything that an Olympic gold medal can signify. You will remain in all fans’ hearts for many many more years, decades even, to come - your story and your journey will outlive any medal, and I have yet to see another figure skater demonstrate such resilience and preseverance in achieving a goal. You’ve already become an amazing legend for all of us. When I come across rough patches in life, I’ll always seek to have your dignity and steadfastness. In closing, I wish you good health and for your future to be forever bright.
Michelle,
You have been such an inspiration to me over the years. I have always rooted for you and am very dissapointed you can’t accomplish your dream of gold, but you have had an amazing career and have touched so many people’s lives through your skating. Your example of sportsmanship and graciousness will stay with me forever. In my book, you won the gold medal and will always be my favorite skater.
good luck in anything you decide to do in the future. skating will not be the same.
Thanks and much love!
~Faith Reilly
Michelle, I couldn’t believe it when I heard the press conference. No matter what the reporters say, we all love you. If you want to compete in 2010, your fans will believe in you and be right there cheering for you. No matter what, remember that you are only 25 years old and your life is just beginning even though people talk about you retiring and “aging.” You can achieve whatever you want…you’ve proved that to all of us. We love you, Michelle!!!
You’re truly an amazing role model to all athletes. I’ll never forget your grace and your integrity. I can’t put into words how great you are. You’ve inspired so many athletes; you’re awesome.
Michelle,
I have been an avid fan of figure skating since the Peggy Fleming era, and I have been so deeply touched by your skating as well as by your poise, humility and grace in all that you do. My heart is breaking for you — I so want you to have that gold medal — but as every day goes by, I realize that it just doesn’t matter anymore. You are THE figure skater of all time and everyone knows this. You are deeply loved. I wish you only happiness and peace of heart.
Michelle, Thanks for always representing us so well, for giving of yourself so freely & for proving that with or without a medal, we can still achieve gold-medal status. You are simply the best. So rest up & feel better because we miss you already!
Michelle.. I came across a comment on a blog (www.xanga.com/emai) that totally says everything i wanted to say: “Going out there, doing your best and having your best be so damn good that you earn the Gold Medal is only the second noblest thing you can you can do for your country at the Olympics. The first, not nearly as glamorous and so very painful, is what Kwan just did: concede the way for the best athletes. She was honest with herself and the world, and her first concern was the interest of the quality of her country’s team. It was a decision made with the utmost respect, purest integrity, and painful tears. You epitomize sportsmanship at its finest and greatest, Michelle Kwan, and I wish you the very best for the rest of your career and your life.”
Dear Michelle,
I certainly hope you receive these messages. I am a 63 yr old femsle who has followed you since you were 12. My heart is so heavy for you during this trying time. I wanted to reach out and just give you a big hug. What courage you display. I know you really wanted that gold medal and I wanted it for you. Truthfully you should have had it in 98. You skated beautifully and the scores for Tara were such a farce especially the artistic marks. NO ONE can beat you artistically and no one did. I get angry all over again everytime I think about it. Throughout your career you have displayed class, integrity, humbleness, etc. You have exemplified all that anyone could ask for as a person and a champion. You are a champion you know, even without the gold medal all your fans love you and respect you. I know withdrawing was a gut renching decision but you were true to your word. I am so sorry you reinjured yourself. I knew it when I saw your reaction to the falls and I was immediately saddened. For you to leave Italy after your withdrawal was a class act and I know emotionally it would have been to hard for you to remain. I have always loved your grace and beauty on the ice and that is what has kept me a fan of yours. No one else touches you in that respect. It is a shame that after all your years of being injury free the rules changed where jumping became more important than grace and beauty and true champion that you are you tried to get ready for this change. In the hearts of your fans you are already a gold medal champion. I also know that doesn’t change your feelings about wanting it and that is ok. Your fans love you and we wait with baited breath for your return to the ice. In the meantime, take the time you need to heal your heart and your body and your soul.
Loretta - yme4@earthlink.net
Cleveland, Ohio- would love to hear from you.
michelle, i don’t usually write stuff like this and to be honest i’m not really even a big figure skating fan. but i had to write something ’cause i wanted to tell you that through your story, i have a deeper sense for how i want to live my own life and what’s important to me. for that i will always thank you. you’re one of the few real inspirations to me and just about everyone of our generation (i was born in 1980 too!). i know you’ll continue to be a champion in whatever you choose to do next - whether its skating or something else. =) -rishi
I am Japanese one of Michelle great fans. Since the Nagano Olympics, I supported you all the time in the far-off Japanese ground. I heard hurt news and worried very much last year. However, I overcame an injury and I heard it and I was glad very at all and thought that I was chosen as an Olympian. Such an arrowhead such; it follows that is very sad, and think of a feeling of Michelle; ask it it, and cannot furl. I supported Michelle than anyone than a Japanese player. Skating of Michelle is beautiful and is noble, and I am encouraged whenever I look when I cannot do my best. And I respect it. I wait for a smile of Michelle from now on from the foreign ground. It is Michelle hang in there!
MIchelle,
My heart truly goes out to you. I know how difficult and heart wrenching your decision was because the blow was felt here. Where other skaters have defined the sport into “who can do the best tricks”‘ you have continued to show us the beauty and grace that captivates us with the art of ice skating.
I “loose” my self in the magic of the artistic interpretation of the music. You are a class act that no one can follow.
Rest assured my dear, you are a golden lady and worth more than that. Lean on God, enjoy life and heal so you may fly again.
My prayers are with you.
Michelle, your legendary status does not rest on an Olympic gold medal. If that were so, you would not be the icon you are now without the gold. Your legend is founded on your integrity, artistry, beauty, and passion for the sport. Not only that but you possess a gracious, gentle spirit that combined with your competitive toughness is irresistible. You are as charming off the ice as on. I have never had the pleasure of watching you skate in person, but my niece has. She said there was a hush in the arena throughout your performance which erupted into deafening applause when you finished. She also said that during your performance every muscle sang! Medal schmedal!
Michelle,
You have handled this disappointment with the characteristic grace that has won you the adimiration of so many. Brava!
If you decide you are ready to retire from amateur competition, your fans will accept that, of course. But please don’t let the press push you into making such a decision prematurely. Do what is right for YOU!
Dear Michelle,
I cannot tell you how much your athleticism, elegance, and winning attitude have inspired me over the past several years. Thank you so much for being the true champion that you are.
I think it took great courage and strength to make the decision that you did at the Torino games. I think it only further solidified my belief that you are indeed golden.
I hope you know that we are all behind you and are looking forward to all of your future successes. We will also always remember your amazing triumphs in the past. God bless you. I will be thinking about you during this trying time.
Your legacy continues no matter what happens. Looking at different athletes I have admired over the years, you have been the only one who truly sets the example of sportsmanship, athleticism and graciousness. Your humility in light of your beautiful skills and tremendous resume is simply something rarely found in a person with your fame. Growing up as an Asian-American, there was a lack of Asian women to look up to. I am so happy that you set an example for our youth and my four-month old daughter will have someone to admire and strive to emulate, not simply as an athlete, but as a woman. Thank you for continuing to be the epitome of a graceful woman.
Hi Michelle,
I am so sorry that you were not able to skate at the Olympics this time around. You are my favorite female skater of all time and I know you will bounce back from this.
The Bible says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes int he morning.” May God’s blessings follow you and your family both now and in the future.
Dear Michelle,
I have followed your skating career since 1994 and you have shown your heart and soul on ice. You are loved no matter what happens in the future. Because of your courageous decision to withdraw from the Olympics, I think you already have won the Gold Medal in my books..it must’ve been the most difficult thing to do but we stand by you all the way. May God give you strength and a quick recover for your future endeavors and may you be blessed with a healthy life. Take care and we love you not just a skater but the most humble person in the sport~
Yen~
Hi Michelle
You make me pround to ba an American.You will be loved for your Olymic sprit forever.
May God Bless you even more the you already sre and heal your body.
I saw you in person in Binghamton NY. and you stopped and talked to me on the street.
Arlene Labarre
Rome Pa 18837
Michelle, you have been an inspiration to me as no other skater has or ever will be. I am 29 years old and have been watching figure skating since before I can remember with my mother. I just want you to know that when you skate, you bring me and every member of your viewing audience to a place of such beauty and emotion. NO ONE has ever done that. You are THE TRUE CHAMPION. I wish that these few words could express the emotion that I have inside. I am fighting back tears just thinking of your courageous decision. That is what I admire about you the most. I am an African American female surgery resident and I choose you as one of my heroes. A figure skater who reminds me to keep striving, keep competing, keep reaching for excellence, forget the doubters and go after what I love with all my heart. I have seen the pretenders come and go; some of them with Olympic gold, some of them with trumpets heralding them as the next one to take your place–ALL pretenders to the throne. (I promised myself not to mention how you were robbed in the past: Tara’s artistic marks-ha, gawky Sarah who never won a major title-ever, coming from like 6th to 1st when in the old system you have to be in 3rd place or higher from the short program to win, all because of a pairs judging conspiracy. I know I promised but I am still seething!) As I prayed for you before I will continue to pray for your well-being. If you decide to grace us once again, we will all be there to support you; lifting you in the air with our adulation as you skate to lift our hearts to heaven. May God continue to bless you.
Hi Michelle, I know there aren’t any words that can ease what you are going through right now, but I wanted to let you know that you have given me so much enjoyment over your years of competitive skating. I have always been a fan of skating but ever since the first time I saw you skate, I have had so much more enjoyment and appreciation of the sport. You epitomize grace, beauty, elegance and such heart and soul on the ice that I can’t help but be mesmerized. I have enjoyed the sport so much more since you have been in it. I will always enjoy watching you skate, metals don’t matter. And, I will never think less of your career just because of a medal. You have brought so much to the sport of figure skating in so many ways to so many people that the extent of your contributions cannot be expressed in words. You are simply amazing. And you always show such grace and composure during the most difficult times. I admire you so much and even though I am many years older than you I look up to you as a shining example of the best that anyone can be. Thank you so much for all the many hours of enjoyment you have given me over the years watching you skate, I will always treasure those moments. They have enriched my life and I am a better person for it. I cannot express to you how much I have enjoyed your skating and you. I hope to see you skate many more times in my lifetime. Good luck to you in what ever you plan to do with the rest of your life. I will always be interested in what’s going on with you and with how you are doing. I certainly know that there are good things to come for you no matter what you decide to do. You are so blessed and I am so blessed to have been a part of your skating career even though it’s only from the sidelines. Thank you for leaving your mark on my heart, I certainly appreciate it. Take care, good luck once again and thanks for being with you are.
Bonita M. Cooper
I am so proud of you Michelle. I am sad that the Olympics did not work out this year, but I know you will heal and be on the ice again. The difficulty of making the decision to pull out of the Olympics is kinda like a triple lutz…YOU will land on your feet. During you saddest moments, know that we (your fans) are 100% with you and we love you for being you.
Michelle,
You truly have the heart of a champion. I have enjoyed seeing you skate from the time you were a little girl. I have seen you grow into a strong and beautiful young woman. I am supporting along with many other fans as you work through this difficult time in your life. You truly are amazing and are a true champion in my book even without Olympic gold. I admire your courage as you truly demonstrated the meaning of the Olympic Spirit while you were in Italy. I look forward to the day where you will be injury free and are able to captivate us with one of your amazing performances on ice!
Michelle,
I have followed your career from the time you were a young girl. And have seen you grow up into a beautiful young lady. You truly have the heart of a champion. I am supporting you 100% as well as are many of your other fans as you work through this difficult time in your career. We are supporting you no matter what you choose to do. You will always be a champion in my book without or without Olympic gold! You truly are aware of what the Olympic spirit is all about. Thank you for representing the United States of America with such dignity and class. I also wish well to a speedy recovery. I can’t wait to see another one of you captivating skates soon!
Dear Michelle;
I have been watching you for the past 12 years and, as an avid all-around sports fan, can honestly say that not only are you the greatest figure skater of all time but you are the greatest sports competitor of all time! It is truly an honor to watch any and all of your programs. You are head and shoulders above everyone else that it is almost a let-down to watch them after you. I also truly believe that you are so much bigger than the Olympic gold medal; you should have a category of your own. To me, (and many others) you won in 1998 with a perfect, elegant, original skate, that, once again, brought tears to my eyes. Michelle, I wish you only the best and, I know, that if you continue, there are many more golds in your future. Please don’t listen to others! You are only 25 - so young! Your beauty, class, style, sportsmanship, talent, and courage make you the gold standard. Can’t wait to see you compete again.
Love, Susan
Dearest Michelle,
I’ve been a big fan of you since 94 and just like millions of other people, I will remain a big fan of you forever, no matter what you do.
No one has ever done so much to the sport of figure skating than you have, and no one deserves a gold medal more than you do. Your quest to the goal medal has truenly taught me a lot about presistence, and your graceful withdrawn due to not being 100% only made me respect you even more.
No one has doubt that you could win an Olympic Gold. In our heart, you are more golden than the Olympic Gold.
Please take the best of yourself! No matter what you do next, you’ll forever be the Olympic Champion in our hearts.
Michelle,
Your decision to withdrawal displayed to the world true ‘Olympic Spirit’ and character. In addition, you character and wisdom allowed you to place others before yourself and this is an admirable trait, which makes you a true ‘Olympic Champion’. Take care and get well soon.
So many of the Olympic Gold Medal winners are a ‘flash-in-the-pan’that are soon forgotten. You are by far, superior to many of them, and one of the best skaters of all time. I can’t tell you how much enjoyment I have received while following your career, and watching you skate! And the class in which you handle adversity is a great example for all. I am so proud of all you have accomplished, and look forward to seeing you again in skating, or whatever other endeavor you pursue. Thank you sharing your beautiful talent with us.
Therese Rennels
Michelle,
I just want you to know how much I love, respect and admire you and what a wonderful role model you are. I know how much you dreamed and would have loved to have had a gold medal and an Olympic performance that you truly would have done if circumstances were different. I hope with time you will feel better and we will see you skating again. To me, you are like Princess Diana. She was never officially crowned Queen, but look how much she was loved and in retrospect, would have being Queen or having a crown made a difference? You will always be loved. I am a true fan of yours and hope you will be happy always.
Carla
Dear Michelle,
My heart is breaking for you, because I know it’s what you wanted, an Olympic Gold medal. But I can assure you, even without it the brightness of your career is by no means being diminished. You are the most talented and artistic skater.
Have a speedy healing. I am praying for you. I love you.
Hello Michelle,
I can’t believe all the negative articles that have written about you recently: that you are using your injuries as an excuse, that you did not compete last year, that you are too “old”, that you did not deserve to go to the Olympics, that you are a loser because you never won the gold, etc. I admire you even more for being such a strong person and behaving so graciously despite all these “Michelle bashers” in the media. They, unlike your fans, don’t know what a true champion is and they just don’t get it about why your fans continue to love you so much.
To: Michelle Kwan:
This is the second fan letter I’ve written in my entire 62 year life. One was to Debbie Thomas after the 1988 Olympics and the second, probably last, to you.
I have diligently followed you from the gangly youngster to the beautiful young woman
you have become.
After reading all of the articles after your decision to bow out of the Olympics, I feel that
I have something to say – as a fan. There were many articles, both complementary and
critical, many “hidden” critiques as to your place in skating history. To those near Sayers, I say “Look at the past three gold-metal winners Oskana Baiu, Tara Lipsinski,
Sarah Hughes. They may have Olympic gold medals in their repertoire – two haven’t skated since and one is still recovering from her win.”
I am sure that there have been figure skaters who are better jumpers, skaters with better
spins, better combinations. They say you’re the complete package…Well, there are many who are the complete package as well. Maybe no one will break your metal count or your 6.0 count – at least not in my life time – maybe they will. So, what do I as a fan –
not a skating aficionado - find that makes me a lifelong, enthusiastic fan.
It’s that when you’re on – and I’ve seen that on television and life performances, you take me along on your flight. I soar like an eagle across the ice. You embrace me, the
audience, with your soul in front for all to see – with the purity of your love of skating
and for four minutes we are one with you. This magic is not something you learn or even
something you can teach. It’s born of a generous heart – one who has so much love to share that it overflows onto us, the lucky recipients.
It saddens me to think that the new scoring system will make the skating world concentrate on accumulating points – that long spirals on the ice won’t have enough
point value for a skater to do them anymore – that it will be become so cumbersome that
we, the viewer, and you the skater will get lost in it complexities.
The critics ask “what will she do now? She has no life off the ice.”
Page No. 2
“Why, skate of course” Every prima ballerina slows down. It’s just the way things are. I remember Fred Astaire receiving his lifetime achievement award, watching excerpts
from his films saying “I can’t believe that I did all that.”…..Our bodies give out – but not our minds – our hearts or our souls. That’ll still be there. You’ve achieved greatness. You’ve become a legion in our own time. Is your greatness simply defined by your
skating? No…Heroes don’t stop being one because the heroic act is finished. They are who they are for life.
What will give you happiness? I certainly don’t know. Only time and your heart will
tell you.
You have nothing more to achieve. You’ve given us yourself. What more can we expect.
Someday history will show the ladies doing quads, quad combinations, extraordinary
things. They accumulate point, after point and we will all be in awe of the technical
ability. Then they’ll show one of your magnificent performances and we’ll look back
and say “wow. Is that what figure skating was like in the olden days…how beautiful,
how breathtaking.”.
I didn’t mean to say as much as I did and I meant to say more…except we wish you
nothing but the best in return for all the best you’ve given us.
Geraldine Mosca
Michelle,
What can I say…I have been watching your career since 1994 when you were at the young age of 13. I always thought you were cool because you are the same age as me. Through the years I have continued to watch your skating. I have even had the priviledge of watching you skate in person. My most memorable moment was watching you in person win the Gold medal at the 2000 Nationals in Cleveland. And through everything you have remained nothing but sincere and graceful. I realize the decision you made recently must have been very difficult. But just remember, to your fans, you have much more than an olympic gold medal. You are our hero forever! Thank you for your wonderful dedication to figure skating over the years.
Michelle,
I’ve grown up watching you skate. No woman has ever meant more to figure skating, and I feel secure in saying that almost no one ever will. I’m aware that words probably do little, at this point, to ease your disappointment. But I do hope you know how PROUD we all are of you. You ARE figure skating defined. Thank you for the years of enjoyment and beauty you brought to all of us. I look forward to seeing you back on the ice again in the future. Keep your chin up high. When gold is what your heart is made of, the medal isn’t important! Thanks for representing us with such class, style, integrity, grace, and love. Keep on keeping on!
Jennifer Sudnik
Michelle, I am very thankful for your existance. Because of you, I began figure skating and experienced 5 wonderful years or what it is like to participate in the sport. Although I have quit skating for 5 years already, I continue to watch skating just to see you. You truly take my breath away every time you skate. You have the presence that makes me smile, laugh, and cry with you. Your contribution to the sport can not be surpassed by others. Your ability and everything you’ve brought to the sport cannot be replaced nor proven by any materialistic object. You are truly a champion in every sense of the word. Thank you Michelle! Hope to see you skating soon and get well! Take care of yourself. Health is most important.
Dear Michelle,
this morning I had to think of yours words “This is a sport, and it’s beautiful.”
This one sentence tells me so much about your character. While many would say “This is a sport, and sometimes it’s cruelly.”, you honor your sport and this is great.
Only a Champion finds such words in hard times.
In my home country Germany there is a saying ‘Champions are made in hard times’.
In hard times sport stars reveal their personality. And you show the world that you are
much more than an Olympic Champion.
People will forget many winners of the Olympic Games but they will never forget you.
You have touched not only the hearts of Americans but also of many people in other countries.
You see that people all over the world love you.
After reading all the other nice words in the forum I have learned more about you and I can
say that it was a great decision to write my first fan mail in 38 years.
I wish you all the best for your further goals and life.
Gregor
gregor@gk4usa.com
Michelle - I know your decision to withdraw from the Olympics was a difficult one, but you did it with grace and integrity. You truly are a champion in every sense of the word! Get well soon!
To all of us, you’re an icon, a legend. It’s kind of strange to think for the past decade, I’d sit glued to the tv come Nationals time and Worlds. You are incredible not only as a skater, but also as a human being. Integrity, strength, grace, compassion, the list goes on. I sat in shock as I read the announcement of you pulling out, but greatly admire your courage and conviction. I believe you are the best example of a good athlete. Constantly, I think to myself, nine national titles…five world titles…wow. However, I believe there are bigger and better things out there. Like you said, missing the gold is not the end of the world. I’m sure you will keep succeeding in the future, no matter what you decide to do. (although personally because I have never seen you skate live, I think you should do some tours
Michelle, I really don’t know what I can possibly say to make you feel better. I just want to remind you a few facts. YOU ARE THE BEST FIGURING SKATER thus far. You are very unfortunate with the Winter Olympic but look from another perspective, you have gotten a lot of wonderful memories and achievements in the past decade that many other skaters can only dream for. Not mentioning, you are the medalists from the past Olympics. Just seeing you strive for your goals already make you a true winner. You are the winner, Michelle. You don’t have to prove to yourselves or anyone anything. I have seen you skate for years. I simply respect you on and off the ice. Many others do too. You are an awesome, awesome athelete. Take a moment to relax. Remind yourself what what you have already accomplished. I believe the MICHELLE KWAN I have seen will stand up from any unfortunate circumstances. You are the best, Michelle.
Much love,
Kimmie Mai
Dear Michelle,
I have spent the last twelve years following your career. I started to watch ice skating when you first came on the seen. In a way, I grew up watching you progress to the beautiful skater and person you are today. I am just one year older then you, and I was born and raised in Southern California. I have watched you skate some amazing programs, which showed how much of an incredible athlete and artist you are. I, like so of your fans, always wanted you to win the gold medal. I felt and still feel that you were robbed in Nagano! Even though you did skate a little conservatively in your long program, I still feel that you had so much more artistry and grace then your competitors. Through the heart breaking losses and unbelievable triumphant wins, it has been a joy and pleasure to watch you skate. No matter what they write in the record books, you have presence on the ice that no one can match. You leave your heart and soul on the ice. You can relate to an audience with simple look or gesture. You have done more for the sport of figure skating then most skaters do in a lifetime. Your critics can never take that away from you. Life has a funny way of working things out. Give yourself the time you need to heal. You know what they say; when one door closes another one will open.
Take care,
Emily
Good luck with whatever you want to do next. Since I’m greedy and love to watch you skate, I hope for me that it’s skating. But please make it what you want! Also, I want you to know that I’m insulted on your behalf every time someone says 25 is old!
Dear Michelle,
I’ve been a fan since I was 9 years old. I’m 21 now, but I can still remember looking forward to watching you skate every winter. I can’t believe how much time has passed! Unfortunately I think I took for granted all those wonderful years that I watched you compete with such strength, courage and perseverance. I now realize how lucky I am to have been able to follow the career of an amazing, kind, selfless, and gracious skater, and I want to thank you for all of the wonderful memories. So whatever you choose to do now, and wherever you may go, remember to go with all your heart!
Beth
Michelle,
I’ve been watching you skate for years and admire your true sportsmanship and I adore seeing you skate with such passion. I would like to tell you a little story, when my son was a pre teen he told me he wanted to be a priest but he wanted to get married. I told him you don’t have to be a priest to spread the word of God. Likewise, I would like to tell you you don’t need an gold medal to be an Olympic winner. You exemplify everything the Olympics hopes to represent. You are truely blessed with such a special spirit that will only continue to soar as you continue to touch our souls through your expression in skating. Thanks and I hope to watch you skating for a long, long time!!
You are a consummate professional, an incredible role model, and a determined woman with incredible judgment, strength and grace. I cannot imagine what you are going through. I just hope it helps to know so many people respect you and are pulling for you.
Hi Michelle. It has truly been a joy watching you skate over the past 12 years or so. I’m older and used to skate when I was younger but started at a late age. I even have a picture with Brian Boitano as he was our guest skater at one of our ice shows. I never really got good at jumping but have always loved skating. Anyway, when I was working on my masters I remember wishing there was a good skater to watch who had grace, technique and the complete package with skating. Then you shortly came on the scene of skating. It was such a relief to watch you perform over the years and be consistent but also have the heart in your skating. When I heard you weren’t skating at the Olympics I was so sad but so impressed and touched by your comments. Not only are you the best women’s figure skater but you have so many other good qualities. God Bless you in all that you do in the future. Cheryl Gray, Casper, Wyoming
Michelle,
You know you are loved here at this forum. I am a member (having hard time getting logged on for some reason) but have been here a good while.
It’s been said many times that you don’t need a gold medal, and you don’t.
I watched your Biography channel special today and realized that…
a) you were more popular with the silver after Nagano. Tara may have been popular had she gotten the silver, but not like it was with you. Tara needed the gold…you didn’t.
b) You were more popular after a bronze in SLC. Sarah may have been, but not like you were. Sarah needed the gold.
c) You will remain as popular, well loved, and be a legend after withdrawing in Turino. I don’t know that Irina, Sasha, or the others would be, had they withdrawn. They need the gold.
Therefore, it could be argued that things happen for a reason, and therefore they got the gold because they may not have made the money to care for someone, etc, without it….YOU WILL!
I know its hard to realize, and doesn’t seem fair, but many people think you have won gold anyway.
However, don’t let them tell you that you can’t win should you chose to remain eligible. Listen to your body, listen to your heart.
Instead of the media-phrased “The greatest skater but….” I think it will be more like “the greatest skater, the one who didnt NEED it!”
-kwanfanforevr1
Dear Michelle, I am so sorry to hear about the injury. I hope you heal up soon! The Olympics are not the same without you. Thank You for all those wonderful programs throughout the years. I hope we get to see more beautiful programs in the years to come. Take care!!!
Love,
Marla King
Dear Michelle,
In the past years, you have brought beauty, grace, and charm to this sport that no one has ever seen before. Never in my life have I seen someone such as you. You have made a very courageous in your choice of withdrawing from the Winter Olympics. And I am very proud of you. You are a true champion. Even without an Olympic gold you will always be the brightest star in the universe that outshines all other stars. No one can compete with your kindness, and purity. You will forever be in my heart and I will always remember you as a true champion in my own eyes. You are more than any gold can buy. I love you Michelle!
Hi Michelle!
You probably don’t remember me, but I met you 8 or 9 years ago when we were on the same flight from L.A. to Minneapolis. I wrote you a letter and gave you a keychain, and you sent me a postcard! I was really excited.
I just want you to know that you are still the most beautiful figure skater I’ve ever seen! No one can ever match what you bring to the ice. People can’t take their eyes off you when you’re skating, and that’s an amazing quality that is naturally in you. You’re the reason I watch figure skating. Everything you have done has been sooo amazing. Your athleticism, professionalism and determination are truly an inspiration to me.
I wish you all the best. You’re always #1 to me!! Always have been, and always will be! (:
-Candace
Hey Michelle,
You are still the best skater of all time and the whole world knows it. Remember when you said you wanted to be the Michael Jordan of your sport, well you’ve achieved just that. Every time someone hears the name Michelle Kwan they will associate it with the world’s greates figure skater, a living legend. You’re passion, drive, maturity and grace mean more than any gold Olympic medal and don’t ever forget that. Everytime I hear Gloria Estefan’s 1996 Olympic song, “Reach” I think about you and what an inspiration you have been over the past decade. Good luck to you in everything you do in life. Thanks.
Michelle,
I have followed your career since you were 13 years old. I’m only a year older than you, but have looked towards your attitude and accomplishments as a source of inspiration for the small little milestones in my own life. In my more difficult times, times when I have had to try again, I always looked to your example as a testament of real willpower and determination. And through the last 12 years, I have wondered what it was about your presence in figure skating that has been so much more enduring and captivating than that of other champions. It’s because your appeal is not measured by a medal or distinction that was just awarded in one or two brilliant moments. You have given the sport — as you will continue to do — well over a decade of brilliance, that has been punctuated with unfailing dignity, effortless grace. Times when I personally feel like I might give up on something, I watch one of your many performances across the years, and remember what it is to push forward and maintain a standard of excellence.
But, beyond the strong character that comes through in your skating, the beauty of it alone is a marvel. There is the lightness and delicacy in how you carry yourself on the ice. There are the moments when the music swells, and your fragility comes to vibrant life, your moves become brisk and energized. And most remarkable of all, is the posture you have in the way skate, that cannot be imitated by any other skater. It is your hallmark, because the way you carry yourself on the ice — with a gentleness and urgency, all at the same time — is what conveys to everyone how much you love simply being there.
So, thank you for just being there, all this time. It is easy in every type of career to just have one big success, and then be done with it. But the real challenges, that deserve the greatest respect and admiration, come from perseverance and presence. I know that you feel everybody’s support and love. You have a place in the sport that is all your own.
Be very well, very soon, and can’t wait to see you back out there!
Dear Michelle,
I am writing to express a word of thanks. You have given me so much since I saw you for the first time at Nagano. I am really sorry for this time, but you are still the greatest skater to me. I would be happy if I could see you skate next season. I can’t live without you. I am very happy that I live in the world where you live. I was really impressed by you at Nagano when I was 17 year-old Japanese highschool student. I could’t believe that the girl who was at my age had such a nice philosophy. I started learnig you, and what I have learned from you has been helping me many ways, such as studying, challenging difficult things, and having a hard time. You are always my hero. I can’t thank you enogh. Good luck for you, me and all Michelle fans!!!
All my love,
Azusa
Michelle, I have been a huge fan of yours since I saw you win at the Olympic Festival in San Antonio when you were 12 years old. I remember thinking, “Wow, she’s pretty good!” Boy, was that an understatement!!! You have been such a fantastic role model both on and off the ice for so many years. Trust me when I say that your fans could care less that you haven’t won that particular color of Olympic medal — you’ll always be the best in our eyes.
Please continue on with your life doing whatever makes you happiest!
Ann
Michelle,
Ever since I saw you win your first world title in 1996 (I even vaguely remember you being the alternate at the 1994 Olypmics amongst all the hype of Nancy and Tonya), I have watched you grow up and mature in your skating and I have always rooted for you. I was heartbroken when you had to withdraw from the Olympics, but… gold medal or not, you still have many, many, MANY fans who cheer and root for you (including me). I hope you get well soon and I hope I can see you skate again. You are the best!!!
Michelle,
You continue to make us proud!
Dear Michelle
I am sorry that you had to withdraw,my heart goes out to you.You are gold metal in my eyes you are best. with your grace talent you showed us,i loved watching you skate across the ice with grace and beautie.I saw you about 5 years ago in chaletson S.C.
I am glad that I even stood beside you.
I wish you the best in the furture
you fan Bobbie from s.c
A horizon in twilight as clouds
flock towards swells of sadness across darkening skies.
Each cloud circling to vulture before death and decay.
Conjuring premonitions filled with pessimism and loss
of past opportunities adrift on raving winds
that culls with each tiny footstep
going pitter patter into the night.
Yet with each downpour that beckons,
there is perspective.
Clouds that hunger for anger last not in perpetuity of life.
As dark nights falter before each waking sun,
storms abate with each beat of time
bringing forth brighter days
and a future unseen.
Best wishes.
Kevin Sung
Dear Michelle,
I want to let you know that even if you didn’t win gold at the Olympics you have won gold to me. No one has inspired me and captivated me more than you have. People might put you down for things, but don’t ever forget that I’ve been watching you since age three and I’ve loved you ever momment. I cried for you in Salt Lake and was so sad for you. It was as if I hadn’t won.
It breaks my heart to see you sad. Please remember that all your fans love you and the world loves you.
Michelle, you are truely my hero and idol. Please do not let this put you down. You are fantastic and no one can stay on top of the world as long as you have.
Skaters will come and go, but you always be my favorite. No matter who it is. You will always be the one I compare skaters to. Not only in the way they skate, but in their character.
You are fantastic Michelle. I’m not just saying as skater, but as a person. I love you (as a sister/friend of course)!
As my favorite singer Josh Groban says, “You Raise Me Up”.
Love always and thinking of you always,
Helena
15years old
Longtime and Lifetime Fan
Sending Lots of Love … We love you!
Dearest Michelle, get well soon, our prayers are with you for a speedy recovery.
“Si, Se Puede!”
(Yes, we are able!)
If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come.
~ Chinese Proverb
“If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.”
~ Vincent Van Gogh
Dutch Post-Impressionist Painter
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
~ Mark Twain
Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark, in the hopeless swamps of the approximate, the not-quite, the not-yet, the not-at-all. Do not let the hero in your soul perish, in lonely frustration for the life you deserved, but have never been able to reach. Check your road and the nature of your battle.
The world you desired can be won. It exists, it is real, it is possible, it is yours.
~Ayn Rand
Russian-born American Author
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
American Poet
Michelle, You have managed to captivate and inspire the souls of thousands of people around the world through your incredible artistry and love for the sport of figure skating. Whether you won the gold, silver, or bronze you always managed to take your viewers to a place of beauty and elegance. I know that you will overcome this difficult time because that is what true champions do. I will continue to hope and pray for your recovery from this injury and devastating decision. Please always remember that your fans love you and wish you the best. No matter what the future holds, you will always inspire the lives of your fans. May God Bless you.
Dear Michelle,
You’re a beautiful person - spirit and body. I sure would like to date you. You can check me out at http://www.otolaryngology.ucsf.edu/aboutus/ourpeople.asp/ProfileTypeID=faculty. I’m the last person listed.
Dearest Michelle
Thank you for your grace, your sweetness and your integrity. You not only exemplify all that is good in the USA but also what every mother wishes her daughter to be (I have two). In my eyes, you are an Olympic Gold Medalist. When I saw your tears, I just wanted to give you a big hug and wipe them away. May you continue to have God’s blessings, much love always,
Laurie
I am a deaf person who used to be a musician nefore losing my hearing. I have watched your career from the time you were small. NO one gives me a sense of the beauty and pasion of the music like you do. In my heart you will always have three Olympic golds!
You are the best figure skater American has ever produced and your body of work will always be in the history pages of America’s skating. You have been so consistant in your work and we all know you talent is not a one time fluke. Aside from skating I have always admired the way you handle everything with grace and honesty. Our household is a lifelong Kwan supporter.
As expected, you have done the proper thing.
We all have to walk by the light we are given.
Now, you must heal so that you can prepare for the challenges and rewards that lie ahead.
Michelle–
You are truly a great artist. I have not had the priviledge of seeing you skate in person, but keep up with your activities through news articles, Heather’s site and other figure skating and sports sites. Over the years, I have watched your art mature and grow, and I hope to watch you continue to grow as an artist and sportswoman for a long time to come. Whether you decide to stay eligible or to go on to professional skating, or do one of the many other things you are fully capable of, I just wanted to thank you for the blessing and the gift of your artistry, grace, and courage.
I have heard and read some very negative things in recent days because you decided to go to the Olympics another time. I think it took great courage to decide to go, to submit to an individual evaluation of your skills on the ice after a season of injury, and to withdraw when you were injured again. I have faith that whatever you do it will be what is right for you. Please give yourself the time to know what it is that you want to do–I know you will. I have seen you respond with rare poise and composure under the most trying of circumstances.
Be well–We love you.
Michelle, I have watched you grace the ice for as long as I can remember, and the first time I saw you skate (I think you were 14 maybe), I knew then that you are a champion. I don’t need a gold medal to tell me that. I’ve looked up to you as a shining example of integrity and good character, and I’m always impressed with how well you handle yourself. I will never forget when a reporter once asked you how it felt to “lose the gold medal” while at your first Olympics, and you replied, “I didn’t lose the gold. I won the silver.” Thank you for being the role model that you are. I’m proud of you for everything you’ve accomplished, both on and off the ice. I can’t wait to see the many more positive contributions you make to our society in the future. I know you’re just getting started!!! We love you.
Michelle,
I have watched you ever since I can remember! You are the best figure skater ever to grace this earth. You are a role model to me and i look up to your honesty. I did a paper on you and I got a 100%. You have a gold in my book and I love you. Get well soon!
Hi Michelle,
Have always wanted to write you for a long time, but got around to it until now.
Really sad about you not being able to compete in this year’s Olympics.
But I hope I will get to see you skate again really soon. Try to come to Orange County, CA so that I can go and watch you skate in person and not just on TV.
Love ya.
OC Surfer Guy
Michelle, My heart goes out to you during this really tough time. I hope that you know how much we love and care about you and what great spirit you’ve shown–true grace under pressure. Thank you for showing us that being a champion isn’t about the color of a medal, it’s about spirit and heart, which you have girlfriend, in spades. I’m excited to see what the future has in store for you–skating and otherwise!
Michelle, you are undoubetedly a “gold medal” athlete in so many ways, a “class act”, and a wonderful role model for my daughter who I named “Michelle”. You are and will be legend in ladies figure skating far into tthe future. I look forward to seeing you on and off the ice in the future! While I’d love to see you at Nationals and Worlds next season, I pray you find the right direction for you! May you find peace at this emotional time for you.
Michelle, like most of your krazy fans, I’ve been supporting you since ‘93. You’re such an awesome skater with so much love for the sport. When you skate you look ethereal…flying over the ice. I hope your adductor muscle heals and that you are able to pursue whatever dreams you have–whether it is to continue skating (which will make many of us happy!!) or to do other things with your life. We all love you so much and hope you have a speedy recovery!!!
Michelle,
I’ve never been a huge fan of figure skating until you came along. Your determination and true sportmanship touches me.
You are a remarkable person, both on and off the ice. You are a role model and inspire me a lot.
Get Well soon and I wish you the best in the future.
Joanna (Vancouver)
THE TRUTH ABOUT GREATNESS.
” A heart is not measured by how much we love but how much we are loved by others.”
I hope that you wake everyday and know the full reach of your spirit.
My Sister lives in a small town in Wales, UK. She runs a consignment shop and has a group of sixty year old ” ladies” who work the shop on a volunteer basis.
Dear Michelle. The reach of your greatness is that this group of silver haired ladies knows who you are. Yes! in a small boarder town in the middle of nowhere. I spoke with my Sister the day you made your decision. They were all so sad to here the new because ” they love to watch you skate.” Yes! they watched you on TV.
I mean no disrespect by saying that no one remembered who won gold in Nagano or Salt Lake. This group of ladies KNOWS who you are Michelle. Your reach is across lands and countries. How many people, in the course of their lives, know such empowerment.
You have touched the lives of these ladies and I hope that this pride and the light that you carry along with your spirit will continue to make you smile. Imagine this group of ladies putting on skates…if only they could..in the twilight of their lives..they would be right beside you.
Please smile. Dignity and Grace.
Peace.
Dear Michelle,
No words can express our love for you.
You are the best of the best!! And You don’t need any other gold to prove it. Just being yourself and you are the WINNER of the winners!!
Thank you for bringing so much fun and so many wonderful moments to our plain daily life. We had been laughting with you, crying with you, and sometime hurting with you for past 12 years. You are the joy of our life. For all these, we thank you!! And we love you for who you are!!!
Dearest Michelle,
I am one of the many fans who admire you. You inspire me beyond words. I know that sometimes words and letters like this feels good but leaves an empty feeling in your heart. But please know that you truly are a great athlete and an inspiration for people like me who have thought of giving up but never did so because of people like you.
For me and the millions of people out there, you are a champion of life. A champion worth more than any medal, any recognition and any 6.0’s. You will always be my idol, a source of inspiration, a source of inner strength. Your victories in life is not bound by recognition but by faith, sincerity and hard work. You are my idol Michelle and you will always be, with or without a medal!
God bless you and your family. I wish you a happy life.
Michelle,
There are so many things I want tell you. Like how you are one of mine and my mom’s favorite skaters. I think you are one of the best skaters. I have watched ice skating ever since I was little and of all the skaters I have seen I don’t see any reason why you can’t get a gold medal. BUT I understand your health comes first and we will love watching you skate no matter what. Just promise to ignore the people who say your skating career is over. Because I don’t think it is. I really hope my mom and I and everyone else will see you skate again at the Olympics in 2010. But if you don’t we won’t hold it against you. So take care of yourself and get better. Kate
Michelle’s grace, integrity, and character make her more than just the winner of any medals. They make her the personification of what all people should be striving to be. She is so lacking in self-centeredness and selfishness that she will always stand out. For most of us older citizens, Michelle will always be what figure skating is. She will always stand above the other figure skaters even the ones that have won gold at the olympics. She is so sweet, so graceful, and so gracious that these traits are more important than any medals. We have 3 young grandchildren and are estatic that she is to be the face of Disney. GO MICHELLE!!!!!!!!
Michelle, I’ve followed your career since you were 12 years old. I was impressed with you then and I’m impressed with you now. Such class is not learned, you were born with it.
You have grown up to be a fine example of an exceptional woman. You are someone who’s admired the world over. What you have accomplished to date, will not be easily reached by those who come after you.
I stood with you in 1998 and again in 2002. I’m standing with you now and always.
I’m impressed by your sincerity and grace and I admire your skill and heart.
I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. I’ve seen what you can do, when you put your mind to it. In my opinion, you can do anything! What’s for you, you’ll will have, always remember that. You have done it! You have done!.
Get healthy soon, I can’t for your return to the ice.
Love from Prue — NYC
Hey Michelle! Even though I am in grade school, I have loved watching you skate. I started to watch you because my mom watched you all the time. At first I didnt know why she was so amazed by you, but after i watched you more and more i realized that my mom was right, you are one of the best skaters ever known. I dont care if you have won an olympic gold or not. I hope that I get really good at basketball like you did at skating. Thank you for all of the entertainment you have given my family. You rock!
Michelle-
I’ve been extremely proud to see you represent our country for many years. The beauty and passion you’ve shown on the ice will likely never be matched. Your grace and dignity in both victory and defeat have been an inspiration. May you find peace and happiness.
Jana
Michelle, you’re a true Olympic champion. Thank you!
Oh Michelle, How I love and admire you. Every LP you performed means so much to me, and it’s a testiment to your superiority that while other skaters have been struggling for years to perform one perfecr program, you’ve got one for pretty much every LP you skated to at at least one competition. Nothing makes me feel better than watching you perform.
I’ve been saying it to everyone, and I’ll say it to you: It’s not too late to go for 2010: You can do it. your presistance to follow your dream is an inspiration to all of us. I can’t bare think of competitive Figure Skating without you. For the past God knows how many years, The main reason I’d be waiting for the skating season to start is to see what new programs you’ll perform, and watch you perform it. Without you, I’m gonna completely lose intrest in this sport. you’re a great messenger to this sport, please let us enjoy it for more years. your selflessness and sacrifice melts our hearts.
I’ll purchase my tickets to Vancover very soon! Love ya gorgeous
Mohamed Elnabelsya
Michelle, you are an elegant and humble person. You have such great poise and unsurpassed COURAGE especially in times of disappointments. You are an extremely strong person. You have to be proud of yourself of what you have accomplished DESPITE media fenzies, etc. They will always and always dwell on the negatives. You have and will always be a LEGEND in figure skating from today and forever.
Michelle,
You have given me so much since I saw you for the first time in 1997 at Worlds. You are the best skater of all time!! And it doesn’t matter if you got that olimpic gold medal, or not. For me you truly have the heart of a champion, always will be my favourite skater and will always inspire me.
I am sure more tears dropped for you, Michelle, than yourself when you announced your withdraw, and for every moment of your superior career. I’ve been following you since you were 11. I am sure there are countless fans like me, who will forever remember all the images of Michelle in different stages. You are more than a champaign when you made this very difficult decision. You showed your highest respect to the Olympics, to the US team, your teammates, and the spirit of the sport. Your character has surpassed all the medals. You’ve made everyone proud of you, no matter what you are going to do and what’s your future plan. Good for you and hope to see you soon.
I am sure more tears dropped for you, Michelle, than yourself when you announced your withdraw, and for every moment of your superior career. I’ve been following you since you were 11. I am sure there are countless fans like me, who will forever remember all the images of Michelle in different stages. You are more than a champaign when you made this very difficult decision. You showed your highest respect to the Olympics, to the US team, your teammates, and the spirit of the sport. Your character has surpassed all the medals. You’ve made everyone proud of you, no matter what you are going to do and what’s your future plan. Good for you and hope to see you soon.
Hello Michelle! I am always your big fan. Watching your skating excellence on ice makes me smile and I feel that life is more exciting with you in competition. I started watching you since you were 12 years old. How time flies by, and now you at 25 years old, you turn to a lovely, beautiful, mature and intelligent woman. Continue to pursue your dreams, and my prayers and blessing will be with you forever. On behalf of my family and friends, we like to tell you that we always love you and continue to support your dreams. God bless you and your family!
Michelle, I like to tell you how much I appreciate your talent, and dedication on your skating. You are a role model to all young athletes in the world. I hope to see more of your skating in competition in the future. You are still young and talented enough to be competing in the national and international level. WE LOVE YOU!
William McCulley said…
Michelle, in your amazing career you have given all of us an outstanding gift of beauty and grace, the only skater/performer to bring me to tears when you nailed a performance. You will be remembered in my mind as “the” icon of figure skating. You are and always will be true elegance on and off the ice. We Americans owe you so much for what you have given us. I had the privlidge once to meet you and let me say…you are the real deal. Your contribution to humanity will live forever and long in my heart.
Hi Michelle,
I am not good with words but I’ll try to express my respect for you. You have shown me what courage, honesty, humility, strength, beauty, grace, and talent are. Everything that you are and that you have done inspire me and touch me deeply. I think you are the greatest skater, and maybe the person with the most good qualities I have seen. I hope you get better. If you would grace the skating world with your presence again, many of us would appreciate it. If you don’t, know that many of us would still be your fans. I am always proud to tell everyone who would listen to me that I am a fan of Michelle Kwan, not just a skating fan of Michelle Kwan, but also of your personality. We love you, and support you in whatever you choose to do.
~ Agnes (Los Angeles)
Michelle,
I first saw you skate when I was 7 or 8 years old. You were my first true crush!:) You have always skated with such passion and beauty and your competitive flame never dies. I hope that you consider coming back for another nationals or even for Vancouver. 25 is not old and the sport needs you. You’ve transcended figure skating and inspired countless numbers of people around the world. Best of luck,
-your number 1 fan!
Michelle,
Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time as you heal, take care of yourself, and make plans for the future.
I clearly remember a sweet little girl skating to one of the songs from Pocahontas at a Las Vegas show many moons ago. You captured my family’s heart then and you still have it now.
Here’s hoping we will see you on the ice again when you are well and strong.
Thank you for your inspiration, grace, integrity and example.
Big Texas Fans
Dear Michelle, You are a true champion. Your courage to admit that you were not at 100% to participate in the Olympics is the highest example of athletic and personal integrity. As a parent myself (old enough to be your mother), I commend your parents for raising their daughter with such high values. I have watched you since you were a very young teenager in 1994. Your accomplishments will probably never be duplicated. You skate from your heart-one can see it in your face. I look forward to seeing you in the future, either as an amateur or a professional. Although it is with much sadness that the US will not see you with a much deserved Olympic Gold Medal around your neck, the superb adult you have become infinitely surpasses the medal. You are an icon for the younger athletes to look up to and aspire to be. I pray that God blesses you richly in whatever your future holds. Thank you for all the love and joy you’ve given and know that the love is definitely returned to you. Sincerely, Karin Dalton
Beaver Falls, PA
Michelle:
There’s nothing like the thrill I get by watching your skating. Every time your skate on ice, I hold my breath and cross my fingers, hoping you would make every jump successfully, and always mesmerized by your grace. One time I was wathcing your program at the gym, even without hearing the music, I was so moved that I got goosebumps all over. I am a forty-year old woman, and I admire you for your courage and the beauty you brought to figure skating. It’s a shame the new point system overlooks the true meaning of figure skate and turn competitions into mere jumps and techniques. I see robots on ice now doing amazing jumps, but where did the beauty of the sport go? I wish to see your perform real soon. In my mind, you already have the Olympic Gold.
Wishing you the very best,
BJC
Michelle, you create magic everytinme you glide across the ice. Disney created the Magic Kingdom. A few years ago, you and Disney found each other and I am so happy that together you will continue to create magic for the world.
Hi, Michelle…
I just want you to know that you’ve made me see the beauty and freedom of a skate/program (unfortunately, you seem to be the only skater who has given us that…I wish they could all skate like you). So, I hope you can skate forever so I can continue to watch the sport. You’re the best thing in figure skating; I believe you’re the best athlete in sports. You carry yourself with so much dignity and strength and grace—it’s what we should all be in life. I’m so sorry you didn’t get that one wish. Life is that way sometimes. Some, not all our wishes come true, but sometimes the wishes that do come true are the ones that really count. Every four years somebody wins an Olympic gold medal, but how many years do you think it will take before someone can win 9 nationals, 5 world titles, (well, we know no one will ever break the 6.0 record, that’s yours forever), and most of all—move thousands of people from a 2 minute or 4 minute program. You’ve got that magic; that’s what sets you apart from the rest in the history of the sport. My goodness, you ARE the greatest figure skater in history. My gosh, you’ve made me cry from several of your programs; that’s how moving your skating is. There are many talented skaters out there, there are skaters who have abilities that set them apart from others, but no one can put it all together and grab an audience and show the audience the beauty of the sport. People can only dream that they can find something that fulfills them, the way skating has fulfilled your life. You’re a lucky woman, and we’re all lucky to have known you.
My name’s Crisitna. You’ve made me love the sport (figure skating). Although, I can’t skate for my life, every time I watch you skate, you make me feel like I can. You make it look so easy and wonderful; I want to feel what you feel on the ice. But the minute I step on the ice, reality kicks in—I’m no Michelle Kwan
Michelle,
All I can say is “Thank you”. Thank you for over a decade of more than memorable moments, both on and off the ice. Your courage, grace and dignity in the face of insurmountable odds, and sometimes painful defeat has shown the entire world what a true champion really is. In my heart, and in many others, you are “golden”. Know that you are loved, appreciated, and well respected by all. Whatever path you choose in the future, I am sure will be successful. You are truly an inspiration to us all.
Marites del Campo-Rodriguez
Sacramento, CA
Dear Michelle,
I’m a sixty-four-year-old grandmother that has always loved figure skating. Although I liked and enjoyed some of the other female figure skaters throughout the years, when you came on the scene, I knew you were different. Your spirit and true love of the sport was obvious. You weren’t skating just for the accolades or medals. You always skated your heart out and skated your very best every time you stepped on the ice. And everyone knew and expected that.
It seems like some of the skaters of the last two Olympics were more like robots in their performances rather than having real heart, tenacity tempered with graciousness and femininity, and the unselfish love for the sport itself as you have always had. Your constant smile lights up the arena and just makes people feel good. You are a beautiful young lady inside and out.
I was saddened when you chose to step down from the Olympics. But, that was so