Leave a message for Michelle
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http://www.mkforum.net/forum/showthread.php?t=10779
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ETA, the messages in this thread have been printed out already, thanks everyone for the amazing response!!
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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 like you. Your unselfishness to do so, for the good of the team and America, is one of the most awsome things I’ve ever seen during my long lifetime. I’m extremely proud of you as I know it was a painful, difficult decision.
Even though you haven’t gotten the gold medal, that only says that someone else was judged a little bit better on that day it was given. Many gold medalists’ names have been forgotten, but your name will live in our hearts and in the sport forever. You will be the one who is held up as the very best example of talent and class. You have done so much to advance figure skating just because of who you are. And you have been a winner so many times that your achievements may never be equaled.
Thank you for so many beautiful and exciting memories. Millions of us wish you a return to good health and only the very best in whatever the future holds for you. God bless you and your family for all the sacrifices and hard work you’ve been through so that so many people could thoroughly enjoy watching the “Golden Queen of Ice Skating”.
hi Michelle my name is nikita,i am 13 and i think you are the best figure skater in the history of forever!!!!!you have all of my respect for withdrawing from the olympics this year.i honestly think that u should have one gold both of your times at the olympics. you have inspired me to take figure skating lesson twice and i turned out to be a natural.no matter what anyone says dont let them get you down.love always nikita cooley.
Dear Michelle,
I’ve watched you skate on national TV since the Nagano Olympics! From the exposure of a Chinese- American life in North America, (this documentary showed on Hong Kong TV) I’ve seen your aspiration to become the best skater in the world and Olympic Champion. However, you are a good example to youths because you have strong individual values as being a positive person and student. You have shown many Chinese Canadians and Americans and youth in general that anything is possible, as long as we try and put in the best effort. You are such a good role model for all of us!
I’ve watched every figure skating season after Nagano! You are such a graceful, fluid skater on the ice. The passion and love for skating from your heart is expressed to all of the audience worldwide! It’s amazing to see you skate for so long in amateur competition since US national’s (93-94).
You are an inspiration to me, you are a true champion! Your warm, sweet smile combined with your skating inspired many that the love for anything (whether its a sport, job, education) through effort and practice is a path to success. I wish you all the best in anything you do in the future and hopefully we can see you perform doing what you love, and that is; figure skating around the world especially in Canada!
Michelle,
You are the best. Period. I have been a figure skating fan for over 20 years, and not one skater touches me the way you do when you’re on the ice. You have made me cry from your beautiful artistry. We are all proud of you no matter what, and always will be, but selfishly I ask you to recover fully (slowly if need be) and please come back to competitive skating! It is not the same without you!Olympics 20100 You will do it!!
Michelle,
I don’t know how to figure skate, in fact , I’m scared on the ice. But because of you, this single mother is pinching pennies so her 2 year old daughter can take skating lessons. You have inspired more people than you will ever know. You are beyond the best, and always will be. Others have come and gone, but you remain in our hearts. We all beleive in you, more than you will know, and I know that the Gold has your name on it in 2010! Get some rest, hope to see you next year at Nationals!
Here’s a poem based on the music and themes of some of your programs…
http://allpoetry.com/Poem/1820821
Dearest Michelle,
You have been an inspiration to so many young and old. You have shown such sportsmanship whether winning or losing. I have watched you since you first got onto the scene. Knowing that there was someone out there just like me… Chinese… my age… out there making a dream come true.. it always made me feel proud to be who I am. You have always made me want to try my best even though sometimes I may not succeed… but I know I will some day. I was so looking forward to watching you at the Olympics this time around, hoping you would get your gold. When I read the bad news online, my heart sank. You have been through so many ups and downs… it must be so difficult. I wish you strength, good health in the year of the dog, may you recover 100% and come back and win more gold. I will be there behind my tele cheering you on, crossing my fingers, and holding my breathe every time you attempt a jump. I wish you the best Michelle. You are a very strong and brave gal. =) Take care!
Hello lovely Michelle Kwan, America’s sweatheart.
I am an ex-NHL hockey player ( briefly for New York Rangers in the late 1980s, and no I never won a Stanley Cup).
Of the men hockey players I know, you are considered to be the greatist artist on skates of all time, male or female.
Many women, including my wife, and my two daughters, would agree on that.
Miss Kwan, you have won 5 golds in the World Cup of Figure Skating, the World Championships.
You have won 8 golds in the U.S. Championships of figure skating.
And you have won a silver and a bronze in the olympics.
Has anyone else ever achieved that kind of record in skating? I doubt it.
Thank you Michelle for being such a good role model; as a figure skater, as a person, and as a young woman, for my two lovely daughters whom I love so much (they are 10 and 8 years old). Myself, my wife, and my daughters admire you so much.
I am sorry you got injured and couldn’t compete in these olympics.
In the long haul though it may be for the best. I know you have other things to do with your life other than skate.
Besides, if you had won another olympic medal, to go along with your 5 world gold medals, your 8 U.S. gold medals, and your 2 olympic medals, you would be almost too perfect!
Michelle Kwan may be a goddess of figure skating, but you are in fact also one of us mere mortals. ‘wink’
Take care Michelle. You have brought nuch joy to my family, and to so many others.
May God bless you and your family.
Your old hockey playin’ buddy up in Minneapolis,
John
Dear Michelle,
How are you now? I’ve been sad for several days after learning that you withdrew from the Olympic games because of the injury. I am sorry to hear that. Though I don’t know you personally, your happiness or sorrow affect me so much. I think I’ll feel better only after knowing you are happy and really don’t feel sorrow about this event anymore. You are so brave to make that decision. I admire you. I am a girl living in Taiwan, who is two years younger than you. I just want to tell you that you are the BEST figure skater in my mind forever; and it’s not only because of your WONDERFUL performance, but also because your healthy attitude to many things. I saw the videos of your figure skating performance again and again. I would spend my time enjoying seeing your performance and searching the news about you (to know how you are recently) after my tiring graduate course and experiments every day. I like your performance so much!! But even that you don’t skate anymore, I still want to make friends with you very much. You are a great model to many people. I wish you can recover from the injury soon and be back on the ice soon. You are the best figure skater in my mind, now and forever. I wish you can always be happy. I’ll support any of your decision because I know you are a smart girl to make the best and right decision to yourself. 加油。:)
Leeny from Taiwan
yinjay13@msn.com
yinjay13@yahoo.com.tw
Hi Michelle!
May I add my love and admiration of your Graceful Spirit to this avalanche of support? You are such a good soul! Have a Peaceful Heart, sweet Lady.
Bye!
Michelle,
You are a true champion in my eyes and that of so many others as well.
I cant imagine how you must be feeling to not skate in these olympics.
Anytime I have had doubts about things in my life I have thought “well what would michelle kwan do?” and that has given me so much strength, courage and confidence - as you are all of these and more.
I will be very disappointed to not see you skate in these olympics, but only you know whats right for you and the decision you had to make.
The media may say you have everything but the olympic gold, but to me your personal attributes and positive attitude to setbacks far exceed any gold medal a judge could award.
I dont mean to sound so soppy but I have watched you skate for over 10 years and only became a big fan after the Nagano olympics when you took everything so well and dignified. You have taught me how losing is not really losing because you always win something else - usually something much better than you could have won to begin with.
So just by being yourself you have been the greatest role model to me in figure skating and in life (and im only 2 years younger than you!)
Even though my chances of a skating career failed to ever take off at 16 (due to an unlucky injury) I have accepted it with the knowledege that it just wasnt meant to be for me, and who knows maybe one day it will prove very positive, just as this may be very positive in the future for you not competing in Torino??
Perhaps you will be able to enjoy skating longer by looking after your body properly when it’s injured.
I wish you all the best in your recovery and hope that you give it all of youve got with that great fighting spirit of yours!
Amy xx
Dear Michelle,
The first time I ever saw you skate in person was in May 2000 with Champions On Ice at Reunion Arena in Dallas…and I got to meet you outside the arena before you boarded the tour bus. It was indeed an honor to meet one of the best-known and decorated figure skaters to ever take the ice.
I wasn’t too surprised to hear you withdrew from the 2006 Winter Olympics…but my heart had hoped for at least one more miracle for you in your outstanding career.
You are not only a champion on the ice, but also a role model off the ice! May God bless you always in your career and in the future.
Scott Myers
Mineola, Texas
Michelle,
You have brought so much grace & beauty to the world of figure skating. What an example you have set for the rest of the world! Anxiously, looking forward to your speedy recovery and return to the skating. No one can compare to heart & beauty you have on the ice.
Michelle, Good luck to you in your future endeavors. You are a true champion. Colors and medals are given for status, not for the true spirit of being a competitive athlete and champion that you are. You and your family represent everything that is great about our country, but you also represent the class and strength of your heritage.
Xie Xie,
Tim Rock
Tampa, Florida
Michelle, you are and will always be my all time favorite skater. You were the reason why I started skating in the first place from when I first saw you skate at the nationals in ‘94. Thanks for bringing me so much joy when I watch you! I can’t wait to see where you go in the future with skating. Good luck with your recoveries!
-Dan P.
Boston Area
Michelle, You have proven that figure skating is more than tricks and jumps because YOU ARE THE COMPLETE PACKAGE! You have the grace and style that incorporates the physical aspects of the sport with the art of skating. No one puts it together like you do and that is why you are so superior to everyone else. Your love of the skate shines through in your every move. You have been blessed in your life and in your sport. Sometimes we must endure diappointments in our lives but we must always be thankful for our blessings and go on with grace. You have shown that you can do that. You are a wise and brave and beautiful woman. I look forward to watching your magnificant skating for many more years to come. You always lift me up. You will survive this moment and enjoy many more happinesses. Love and blessings in the future.
Dear Michelle:
You are an extraordinary person, a role model to every athlete and the #1 figure skater of all times. May the blessings of the Almighty be with you during your recovery. Hope to see more of your great skating in competition. God bless you and your family.
Michelle,
I just want to congratulate you for being a true champion. Please hold your head high. You’ve won Olympic bronze and silver, but you are gold. You are truly a class act and your country is immensely proud of you - more than words can say. I want to thank you for all of the truly memorable moments that you’ve provided me and a proud nation over the last decade or so. Thank you so much Michelle.
Warmest regards, Mark O’Rourke (marktorourke@hotmail.com)
I wish you were in New York! You always have a tour guide waiting for you in the Big Apple!
Michelle you are inspiring! I have been watching ice skating ever since your first competition. You inspried me to pursue my dream, I went from my home Germany to the USA to study dance in Seattle. I couldnt be happier and I owe a lot to you! Keep chasing your dreams, big or small, people all around the world believe because of you!!!!!
>Sincerly yours,
>Wiebke Schuster, Cuxhaven Germany/Seattle, USA
Hope you are injury free soon, able to skate and do whatever you want. I will miss seeing you in the Olympics. You and Todd Eldredge are my favorite skaters.
Janice from Maine
Michelle, your courage, grace, and dignity are an inspiration to all, whether they are skating fans or not. Thank you for being such a wonderful champion on ice, and a wonderful person off it.
Hi Michelle!
I have been watching and cheering you on since 1994 when my mom mentioned a ‘little Chinese girl who is going to the Olympics’ I watched you in Edmonton when you won your first World Championships and have followed your career closely ever since. You have inspired me to do great things. I wish you luck in everything that you do. PLEASE COME TO CALGARY FOR WORLDS!! Although you did not get the Olympic Gold, you are a legend and your dedication and passion for the sport will never be matched again. I appreciate your courage and strength. Thank you for being an excellent role model.
Hi Michelle!
I have been watching and cheering you on since 1994 when my mom mentioned a ‘little Chinese girl who is going to the Olympics’ I watched you in Edmonton when you won your first World Championships and have followed your career closely ever since. You have inspired me to do great things. I wish you luck in everything that you do. PLEASE COME TO CALGARY FOR WORLDS!! Although you did not get the Olympic Gold, you are a legend and your dedication and passion for the sport will never be matched again. I appreciate your courage and strength. Thank you for being an excellent role model.
Dear Michelle:
You have given me so much joy over the
years-your skating takes my breath away. My Mom who passed away in Jan.2003,was overjoyed when she saw you
skate. So Michelle, for giving her that
joy-YOU ARE MORE THAN GOLD in my book.
Whatever you do, wherever you go, you
are a true winner.
Sincerely yours,
Barbara
Michelle,
I have been watching and following your career since your first appearance at Nationals on the Senior Level. You have on several occassions left me breathless and in tears of joy with your performances. Now seeing you make it to your third Olympics and having the misfortune of withdrawing leaves me with a heavy heart for you and for what greatness we will undoubtably miss out on. You ARE the Olympic Champion to me when it comes to demonstrating the spirit behind the games. I wish all the luck in the future and look foward to seeing you on the ice soon. Some years ago, I got the “Michelle Kwan Figure Skating” computer game and it came with duplicate of the necklace you wear. I always wear it when you compete. Since you are not competing at the Olympics, the way I will celebrate you is by wearing it throughout the games. By doing so, it’s my way of saying “Thank you Michelle Kwan!” You are grace, beauty and all elements required of the sport of figure skating. Hold your head high. You are and will always be a champion.
I love you, Michelle! Your my favorte skater, and I am so sorry you could not skate this time, but you are always number one in my book! I will miss seeing you on the ice. Hope you get better soon. You are a champion!!! I’m proud of the work you have done in your career. Your fans are always behind you 100%! thanks, Michelle,
Melissa Rep.
MICHELLE - I HOPE YOU READ THIS!!!
My twin sister and I taped an Olympic message for you while attending Nationals in St. Louis (If you did happen to see it - I was the one who talked about “rolling on the floor while watching you skate!”) You were sorely missed at Nationals. I don’t want to take away from the other skaters, but even though you were not there everyone was talking about you! Because of you, countless of occasional skating spectators are now avid figure skating fans!
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me and so many others the byproducts of watching you skate - overwhelming feelings of compassion, excitement, beauty,and love.
God bless and best wishes to you and to your family.
Mkyramarios@webtv.net
Michelle, you are a champion on and off the ice. You do not need to win a gold medal, leave that for the media, not that they deserve it, they just think the Olympics is about the gold. You are the World’s Greatest Skater and there will never be anyone that will ever come close to your accomplishments. One Michelle Kwan and one Michael Jordan! Luv you.
Dear Michelle,
I was so devastated when I read the news that you wouldn’t be able to skate. I still am devastated, truth be told. I will marvel always at your integrity, class, grace, and stoicism. I wish I could be more like you, but I must say that I will be fervently hoping that the(socially) graceless cow Cohen falls (more than usual) and that at least a fellow gracious and classy sportsperson like Slutskaya takes the gold, if you can’t. I know it’s awful, but I can’t help it. I can’t rise above certain peoples’ cattiness, even though I despise them for it. You wouldn’t do it, so I’ll do it for you! And that’s what everyone loves about you! Sports are so hideous when it comes to medals - justice doesn’t always get handed down, the most deserving have heartbreak after heartbreak heaped upon them, and the crass and bratty prevail. It’s happened so many times that I can’t believe I can still bring myself to keep watching, year after year. I can’t even imagine what it must be like to actually live these things, moreso than even witnessing them. Maybe when you hang up your skates, I will hang up my remote, for good. Just like Nadia Comaneci for gymnastics, or Bruce Lee for martial arts, or, yes, Michael Jordan for basketball, there will never be another Michelle Kwan in ladies figure skating. You are so universally adored, and I hope you find at least a small measure of comfort in that.
Dear Michelle,
I was hoping to find a place like this to write to you and tell you how incredibly impressed I was with your courage and graciousness at a time that must have been so sad for you. I’ve watched you skate for many many years and you are by far the best figure skater in the world. No one that I have ever watched has inspired people more or loved the sport openly more than you have. Just know that you have the love and support of so many millions of skating fans who consider you a legend. Olympic Gold or not. I hope that your body heals very soon and you can get back out there and do what you love to do the most. If any skater is capable of being an olympian at 29 its you. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose to do from here on out. No matter what you choose to do, I BELIEVE in you.
Michelle,
With or withour Olympic gold, you are one of the best skaters to ever set foot on the ice. More importantly you handle yourself with grace, honesty, and integrity. Best wishes for a bright future.
Dear Michelle:
I wish you a speedy and complete recovery from your injury. Since I’ve learned of your first injury, which kept you out of the Grand Prix series, I knew my enjoyment of any skating event this year would be deminished simply because you were not there to showcase your exquisite grace and talent. This Olympics will be no exception. It is a purely selfish wish that I hope to see you skating next year in competitions as you bring such joy to my life. I know that eventually you would retire from competitive skating, but I hope this injury doesn’t make you retire earlier. After all, there is a 29 year old that was born in my town that is skating at this Olympics for Italy. In closing, I would just like to say that you are a gracious, beautiful, and courageous young woman who makes me proud to be an American. I believe in my heart God has great plans for you, and whatever they are, I’m sure you will handle them with the same dignity and courage you already posess. Thank you for the years of enjoyment you have given me.
Donna
Hi Michelle,
I’ll be honest. I’m not a die-hard fan of figure skating nor do I expect you to reply to this message. Regardless of how many tournaments you win or medals you earn, what truly matters is that you sound like a genuinely kind and caring person. If you wanna gain a Canadian friend, send me an email.
babyblue_boy@hotmail.com
Dear Michelle,
I remember being 7 years old and watching the ‘98 Nagano Olympics, mostly waiting just to see you skate, and watching the ’02 Salt Lake games for the same reason. I don’t even remember the first time I saw you skating on T.V., but I must have thought it was the greatest thing ever because I loved to watch figure skating after that. When I heard you were going to compete in Torino, I was so excited because I hoped that you would finally clench the gold. I know so many people who wanted and hoped that you would finally get it. When the news came that you withdrew, it just dampened the excitement of everything. Regardless of winning gold or not, you’ve accomplished so much and have brought so many people to love the sport. It’s been amazing just to watch. I’m only disappointed that I never got to watch you in person.
Your gracefulness, talent, and determination have been so inspiring to so many people. I remember thinking it would be the coolest thing in the world to be able to skate like you and I truly admire your ability. Ever since I was 7, you’ve been a role model and a hero, and you’ll always be the best/#1 to my friends and me. You really are the epitome of greatness.
Dearest Michelle,
my favourite skater of all times. I think you’ve won something more precious than an OGM can ever give. That is, the hearts of countless people around the world, who you’ve influenced with your skating. I’d say only Michelle Kwan has the ability to do that. So many people, including myself are inspired by you in life. You always help me find strength from within when I’m down. You’re such a great role model. I’m so happy to hear that you’re not retiring yet. I so look forward to seeing you compete again in good health with the olympic programs that you’ve worked so hard to prepare for. Your skating is a real treat for us. Of course I’d also love for you to hang in for the Vancouver games. It’s not about winning the OGM or not anymore. It would just be great to see you enjoy an olympic experience one more time. No matter what your decisions are, you have my support. Lastly, please rest well and take good care of yourself. We want to see a healthy Michelle back on ice soon.
All the best,
Amy
Toronto, Canada
Dear Michelle,
Words cannot properly express my sorrow concerning the injury that has kept you from being able to compete in the 2006 Olympics. You did the right thing in trying and you made one of the most corageous decisions ever by withdrawing. I believe your decisons were right both times.
I am very proud to call myself a Michelle Kwan fan and had I a daughter of my own I could think of no better model for her to follow than you.
I fully believe you will find the inner and physical strength to overcome your injuries and that you will continue to lead a happy and successful life. I fully believe that while this setback undoubtedly seems like a mountain right now that it will, in the months and years to come, be reduced to a “speed bump” in your road. No matter what direction you choose to follow I feel you will attain greatness. Just remember to do what you enjoy and have as much fun as possible.
You are still the greatest, in my not so humble opinion, U. S. figure skater of all time and qite possibly the greatest the world has ever been graced to see. This is because you not only demonstrate wonderful grace on the ice but you always conduct yourself as a true champion and as a lady when off the ice as well.
Good luck, get well, be happy, be successful.
Sincerely:
W. Tandy Chenault
4003 Winchester Road
Mt. Sterling, KY 40353-9718
tandy2@msn.com
Michelle, You are the greatest skater I have ever seen!!!! You never give up and you always lift my spirits. You skate with grace and beauty. You try your hardest and you always do your best! I believe that God has something more in store for you when you are done in the Olympics. You can’t stop just yet. I’m sorry you had to. It was such a disappointment!!!!<3
I love you Kwan!
Michelle, Our Belle,
We are really disappointed that you will not be able to perform in this year’s Olympics.
Our family has been on “Michelle Alert” ever since you started skating on TV. We would leave the TV on while we did our chores and homework and as soon as the announcer said that you will be skating next, we would all drop whatever we were doing and rush to the sofa and cheer you on as if you were a member of our own family. We will always be your devoted fans. Thanks for making us proud of your hard work and dedication and for bringing us such joy in watching you skate.
Michelle,
I just wanted to let you know you are a beautiful skater, but even a
more beautiful person. I am touched
by your grace and elegance on the ice. Off the ice, I am amazed again
and again by how you handle yourself with such class in good
times and bad. It hurts my heart
to see you hurt. Just know that
with or wihout an olympic gold medal, you are golden to me. Also,
whatever future plans you make, I
and your many,many fans support you. God Bless you.
Julie
Michelle, Thank you for the many beautiful performances that you have given to the fans. Your courage and grace are an inspiration to all of us and you make Americans proud to support and celebrate athlethes such as yourself. Thank you, thank you ,thank you!!!
You are a true champion!
Michele: I am not one who is into fan mail - but I had to write and express what good sportsmanship and courage you had in the olymics. I feel you have achieved greater glory than a gold in your gracious and honest decision you made. To me you will always be gold - because virtue is more powerful and makes a lasting impact that will last long after the olympics are over. May God bless your new endeavors and may you know peace in your heart - you really are a true olympian and truly in my eyes - a gold metal person!! S. Vicky
Dear Michelle,
Over the past years you have delighted many with your skating. You have a unique way of expressing your self on the ice and an amazing graceful skating style; as if you were part of the wind. Your skating routines have captivated me over and over again. You are truly a champion and have brought so much to the skating world. You are a great inspiration and role model!
Thank you for the many hours of pleasure you have brought to myself and many others through your skating! You will always be the champion of hearts!
- Lydia Tattam
Bern, Switzerland
ldtattam@hotmail.com
Michelle, watching you skate takes my breath away. Your grace on and off the ice makes you the TRUE CHAMPION and the BEST FIGURE SKATER OF ALL TIME!!! Watching you withdrawal, broke my heart, but made me admire you even more. Unfortunately, I was so upset I could not bare to study for my two tests(Sociology of Religion and Abnormal Psy), but I did ok, neways. I hope you get well soon because figure skating needs you, America needs you and the World needs you. Besides, you have to win that 10th U.S National title and your 6th World title. Then, in four years, 2010 Olympics!!! I say GO FOR IT!!! My God bless you, always! You are truly the GREATEST OF ALL TIME!!!
Michelle,
You have inspired me more than you can ever know. I fell in love with you at the age of 12 and watched you mature through the years both as a skater and as a person. I am old enough to be your mother, but yet you have taught me much about life and about how to handle anything that life deals you, both good and bad. You are so beautiful, inside and out! You are blessed with such an extraordinary gift. I hold my breath when you skate. You are an angel that captivates me and draws me into your performance everytime you skate. You have such authentic charisma on the ice, and off the ice too! Thank you for what you have done for this sport, and know that you are a Champion, in every aspect of the word!
The next few days of the Olympics will be bittersweet without you there. For me, it won’t be the same. Know that I wish nothing but the best for the young girl who is the best! Michelle, I love you and your spirit! I’m proud to be a fan. I wish you good health and God’s wisdom and guidance in your plans for the future. I hope to see you back on the ice soon…..
Love,
Kim
kaweakland@hotmail.com
Michelle,
You are the best figure skater to ever walk on this earth. You inspire everybody with your great heart and soul. When ever you get on that ice you just have a great deal of energy and you skate so gracefully. I just wanted you to know that you are still a great champion no matter what. Good luck in the future!
I love how you did not say no to Vancouver!
Dear Michelle,
There are so many times when life just refuses to go our way. I am a 20 year old Asian American and I have been job hunting unsuccessfully recently. So many times I ask, why not me? How are those candidates better than me? I am just as good, if not better than them! But you see, what’s good is always going to be good. No matter what circumstances. Michelle, I will keep you in my prayers during this time. I believe all these will make sense to us one day; and one day, we will all be all right. I wish you all the best in your healing from your injury. And after you are well again- follow your guts. After all, Irina Slutskaya is 27 this year, and she is still competing. What’s stopping you at 29? Don’t give up.
flu2@learnlink.emory.edu
You are the reason I fell in love with figure skating! Sasha, Emily, and Kimmie may be good, but you are the BEST!!! No one can compare or live up to your accomplishments on and off the ice. You are a TRUE CHAMPION. Go for the GOLD in 2010!!! We all believe in you! Until then, take care of yourself, and continue to kick ice!!!
2010, the Gold is yours!!! Go For It!!! We are all behind you 200%!!! You are the Best Figure Skater ever Born!!! We love you!
You are an inspiration to so many little girls and, well everyone, young and old! Your skating brings tears to my eyes, and joy to my heart!!! God bless you in all that you do!!! Get well soon, because you have your 10th U.S. title to win!! Go for it!!! We love you!!!
Michelle, your grace, strength, and determination makes you a real Olympic Champion!!! Your skating has brought joy to so many!!! You are the reason i watch and love figure skating!!! Please get well soon, I can’t wait to see you skate again!!! Go For the GOLD!!! God Bless and Much Love!!!
2010 Baby!!!
You are the reason people love and watch figure skating!!! You are the BEST FIGURE SKATER OF ALL TIME!!! 2010!!!
You are a beautiful person. We are all so very proud of you!!! Fight for your Dream!!! We love you!!!
God Bless,
Lindsey,
Lauren, &
Nick
Congradulations, on becoming Disney’s spokeswomen. You are a role model to all!!! You are the best figure skater in the world and always will be!!! Continue Dreaming…Fighting…Winning!!! 2010, only 4 years away!!!
Tara, Sarah, and Sasha will be forgotten, but you will always be remembered as the GREATEST FIGURE SKATER OF ALL TIME!!! Keeping Dreaming and Follow your heart!!! We all love you so very much!!!
You have given me so much joy, over the years!!! Your gracefulness, beauty, and determination shines through all your performances. I wish you the best and you will forever be in my prayers and thoughts!!! I hope to see you at Nationals…Number 10. 2010…Nething is possible, just believe!!! We all believe in you!!!
Thank you, Michelle, for being who you are and for the heart and passion you bring to the ice. Watching you skate makes my spirit soar and I feel better about life. I wanted very much for you to win the gold and am sorry for you that you couldn’t compete this year. To me you are gold. As a school counselor, I feel confident in sharing your story with students as an example of how to handle both achieving your goals as well as not quite meeting expectations (whether yours or others). I trust in your own time and manner you will figure out what comes next in your life’s journey. Know that my thoughts and best wishes will be with you. May Kuan Yin shower blessings upon you.
d_speicher@hotmail.com
Dear Michelle,
You are awesome and the most graceful skater I have seen. You are someone that I could always identify with, especially as I have seen you grow in your career.
I wish you only the best and hope to see more articles on you as time goes by…The InStyle Home article showed me once again that you are a real person with taste and class. I’ll be awaiting your future triumphs…
All the Best,
Nicole in NYC
We all love you, Michelle!!! Go For GOLD!!!
Get well soon! We need you!!! Without you, Figure skating will never be the same!!!
You are in my prayers. You will forever be the greatest American and World figure skater ever!! 2010, Just Believe!
Dear Michelle,
I hope you are doing much better and getting at peace with your heart. In the end your happiness is what matter. Every human being at one point, including me, goes through difficulties but keep beliveing in your self. Never forget your a talented individual. The pain might seem endless but time heal all wounds.
When I was ten I remember coming to America and watching Figure Skating, I thought it was the most boring sports. Then you came on the ice and it was like magic. It made me want to watch figure skating, and get out there and learn to skate(even though I suck at it). You have been like a role model to me.
I am double majoring in pre-med and psychology and there are many times that I just want to give up but you along with my mom and others are inspiration to me not too. You have taught me and many other never to give up and always chase your dreams. You have showed America what it means to be respectfull. There are not many people left in this world ,especially that appear on tv, that has that kindness left in them. You are a legend, and just belive in your self. I hope you have a safe recovery.
Sincerely,
Rita Joseph
You have accomplished so much and you have much more to accomplish! You are a role model to all and will forever be the Greatest and Best Figure Skater of All Time!!! Here’s to 2010!!! We love you!!!
Im very proud of you! You give me strength and courage. When you skate, Im moved to tears!!! There’s no one quite like you, you are the BEST FIGURE SKATER EVER!!! Take care and keep skating for your dream.
Dreams do come true, 2010!!! Keep the dream alive!!! We are so very proud of you and love you very much!!!
You represent a TRUE American and Olympian!! You have given so much to the sport of figure skating, and you have so much more to give! You are the BEST! No one can compare to your greatness!!! Everyone loves you!!! We are all cheering for you!!!
Your skating is beautiful!!! Because of you, and only you, figure skating has become a magnificant and beautiful sport! I admire your grace and determination. You are amazing!!! Take care and Get well!!! 2007 US Nationals… I’ll be watching you win your 10th title!!! We Love YOU!!
May God Bless You, Michelle!!! You are such a joy to watch!!! Follow your Dreams!!!
(I hope this isn’t too late!)
I’m sorry I don’t have enough time right now to be more articulate, I want to tell you, Michelle, but your energy and great attitude about life really cheer me up and help me through life when I get depressed or tired of it. What you did was very selfless and I really felt for you, but I know you’ll continue to inspire and bring joy to others! I love your skating and optimism, and I look forward to seeing you in the future! =)
- Mitch
Houston, TX (masaty@gmail.com)
Michelle,
I’ve been following your career since 1994 and have been a diehard fan since 1996. Please know that as much as all your fans wanted to see your dreams come true in Torino, a gold medal wouldn’t have made us any prouder than seeing the dignity, integrity and grace you showed when you realized you needed to withdrawal. I pray for your speedy recovery and look forward to watching you skate in the future. As the mother of four small children, I’m thankful there are classy role models like you left in the world.
You are my role model. Follow your Heart!
You are loved and respected by so many! Keep competing!!! We love you!!
You give me strength to conquer my dreams, so continue to fulfill yours! God Bless!
I just wanted to stop by and wish you the best. I hope that your health improves as quickly as possible. I’m sure this past week has been difficult to say the least but you should know that the joy you have brought to fans, the class, and itegrity that you have brought to the sport stand alone. I’ve never seen more emotion on any stage, field, or rink than when you take the ice and perform. That is a gift.. for you, for skating itself, and especially for the fans. Thank you for all that you have brought to my life through your skating.. which includes a trip to see you skate that even my Dad and little brother really enjoyed. You have a bright future ahead of you and I will continue to support your career in every way that is possible. You are an inspiration. Take care of yourself..
You know Tara and Sarah had just one good skate (although I think you did better), but you have had many and will have many many more! We love you!! Don’t go pro just yet, you have so much more to give and many more medals to win!!! Sasha Cohen better watch out, Ive never liked her!
I hope I’m not too late..! Michelle, you hear me? I know this may sound dumb, but watching the winter olympics is just not as fun with you not around. You are like a swan on ice.. Haha Kwan the Swan, I’m pretty sure you heard that before. anyways, lame jokes aside, seriously speaking,
You have been one of the most influential people to grace us with your presence. Whatever you do, I’m sure, whether on a grand scale or small, you will continue to touch people’s lives. In that, you will always be OUR michelle kwan.
*get well soon!
Michelle, You have brought my daughters & I so many hours of pure pleasure. I raised them to be honest, true, & full of spirit, just like you. You will always be my hero. Hope to see you skate somewhere soon! We miss you so much! Take care of yourself & know you are loved by so many.
Sally Apple
Hi Michelle, Just like millions of others…I am so touched by your strength at the Olympics. My heart aches for you & the disappointment you have endured. I am just an ordinary person with no great accomplishments in my life. I met you once at a competiion in Detroit…you were so personable…went out of your way to give us your autograph!!!!! I have never forgotten that day…you were only 15 yrs old at that time…and you have only grown better & better!!! As far as I am concerned you are made of pure solid GOLD!!!! Anyone who has followed your career…can only see you as pure perfection!! The world needs more people like you. Your love of your sport is so obvious when you skate…your smile is completely priceless and very contagious!!!! Thank you so much for the countless times you have shared your beauty to us all. I wish you a speedy recovery and will be looking forward to watching you skate once again!!! Please know that you are LOVED!!
Michelle, my heart was broken for you, but I was so proud that you did the right thing by withdrawing from the Olympics..you are still the best in my opinion, you bring a whole new level to the sport.
Hi Michelle,
The Olympics is just not the same without you being there. Take Care. We will always love you.
Jennifer, Kathleen, and Danielle
I am half-heartedly watching the short programs tonight, though I do like Kimmie very much for her spark and smile. Still, as I’ve been watching, I’ve realized what is so special, so consuming about watching Michelle on the ice. When Michelle opens her arms and looks to the sky and bursts into that beautiful smile so full of yearning and perfection and grace, she shows us her very soul, and by so doing grants us all redemption, if only for those few moments. Michelle’s skating has the power to lead us all to that grace. Michelle’s skating has the power to change the world we live in. Michelle, you are a blessing in all our lives, and we love you. And we thank you for helping us believe…..
With much love and many blessings,
~kristen~
Dearest Michelle,
Words cannot even begin to express how much you have touched my life. I’ve been watching you skate since we were both young. I can remember you as an alternate in the 1994 Olympics.
You were the little “jumping bean” who grew into a graceful swan. Your presence on and off the ice has inspired me and touched me far more than I can express here.
I’ve only had the pleasure of seeing you skate live once, during COI. I was in tears during your entire performance. It was one of the greatest experiences of my entire life.
You are an amazing figure skating and wonderful person. In the past, your medals may have been silver and bronze, but your heart has always been golden, and that is why America, and the entire world, enjoys watching you skate.
I was so heartbroken as I watched your press conference in Torino. I can’t even begin to imagine how much it hurt for you to have to withdraw. My heart aches for you, and I wish you a wonderful and swift recovery.
I hope that only good things come to you in the future, wherever it may lead. I am behind you one hundred percent in all that you do.
A wise woman once said, “Work hard, have fun, and be yourself.” Don’t ever forget that.
Aimee A.
Kentucky, USA
Dearest Michelle,
Words cannot even begin to express how much you have touched my life. I’ve been watching you skate since we were both young. I can remember you as an alternate in the 1994 Olympics.
You were the little “jumping bean” who grew into a graceful swan. Your presence on and off the ice has inspired me and touched me far more than I can express here.
I’ve only had the pleasure of seeing you skate live once, during COI. I was in tears during your entire performance. It was one of the greatest experiences of my entire life.
You are an amazing figure skater and wonderful person. In the past, your medals may have been silver and bronze, but your heart has always been golden, and that is why America, and the entire world, enjoys watching you skate.
I was so heartbroken as I watched your press conference in Torino. I can’t even begin to imagine how much it hurt for you to have to withdraw. My heart aches for you, and I wish you a wonderful and swift recovery.
I hope that only good things come to you in the future, wherever it may lead. I am behind you one hundred percent in all that you do.
A wise woman once said, “Work hard, have fun, and be yourself.” Don’t ever forget that.
Aimee A.
Kentucky, USA
Dear Michelle,
I know it must be really hard for you at this moment but please don’t give up. We will always love and support you no matter what happens. It’s not about winning the gold, it’s about doing your best and in our hearts, you will forever be the BEST!!!!! So please don’t give up!!!!! They say, no woman in history has ever won the gold at age 29 but you have already broken the record for winning the most national titles in US history , I believe you can also be the first one to break this record in 2010. MICHELLE STAY STRONG!!!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!! Get better soon, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself, rest well and eat well. God will take care of everything for you. Remember it’s not about the medals, we just want to see you enjoy what you do and be happy. WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love, Susan=)
Michelle — I am not even a big figure skating fan — but proud to be an American after watching the way you handled yourself throughout this ordeal with the injury and Olympics. I only wish all of our athletes at the games would follow your example of class and dignity. Not many would have turned down NBC when they offered — you did it for the right reasons. Thank you for represnting our country the way you have and do — I hope we can continue to follow your career as it moves forward down whichever road you choose. Best of luck — Cory
Michelle,I am so sorry that you had to withdraw from the Olympics. Obviously, I am sorry that you are injured, and wish you the speediest of recoveries (but please make sure you are fully healed before hitting the ice again - your fans miss you, but they care more about your health than seeing you on the ice); but I am selfishly sorry for myself that I will not be able to see your breathtaking performances.
The fact that you withdrew when you did shows a class almost unknown in elite athletes. I commend you for that. No matter what any of the record books read, you will always be THE Olympic champion in my book - the grace and humbleness you have shown in disappointment (and in the case of Nagano, a horribly flawed result as far as I’m concerned), the sheer joy of skating that you exude, your caring for others, the class you have shown in more ways than can be counted….
Hang in there Michelle, your fans will wait; and will look forward in supporting you in whatever your future holds for you. If you want to skate competetively, we’ll be there, if you choose to concentrate on your schooling, we’ll be there. After all you have given us and the sport of figure skating, our utmost wish is for you to be happy and content. God bless you.
Peace and love (to copy the words of the immortal Janet Lynn, another fabulous figure skater from “my era”.).
What can I say in a few sentences that sums everything up?
Two years ago you came to my very small town with COI. I bought my front row tickets and watched you skate Fields of Gold. I wasn’t in the know with city officials so I didn’t wrangle a backstage pass, but when everyone was making their way to the busses there was a large group of us standing at the fence watching. You took a jog over and said hi. I know you made my whole year and I am sure everyone elses standing there!!! No one else did that and we all knew you were tired. Thank you for giving me that special moment. It is apparent that is just the kind of person you are!
We are the same age, and I feel like I have grown up with you. I know you have heard many times that you bring the world onto the ice with you. Thank you for letting me “skate with you” for all of these years. I am sure you didn’t set out to touch all of these lives. It was just a by-product, but how cool is that? You have certainly left your mark on the world!
I have a daughter of my own now who is almost 4. She says she wants to skate like you. I am sure there are thousands just like her saying the same thing to their moms. I think that is worth a dozen gold medals.
We love you Michelle.
You will always be my champion!!
Shanna Filburn
San Angelo, TX
Dear Michelle,
I have grown up watching you skate. I cried when you withdrew from the Olympics, I cried because I knew your heart must be broken. I want you to know that gold medal or not, you are always going to be “the best” in my heart. When you skate your heart shows. No one else does that like you. The way you interpret music has brought tears to my eyes. No one does that like you. I am hoping that you will continue to skate, either competitively or as a professional, because I get such joy from watching you skate. But more than that, my wish for you is that you’ll be happy. You’ve given so much to us… you deserve every happiness. If that were to mean hanging up your skates, I’d understand.
You have my love & admiration always! Thank you for entertaining us and inspiring us all these years. I know you’ll continue to do so, through skating or whatever other avenue you choose.
Laura
Hi Michelle,
You are still gold in my eyes.
Proud Marine Mom
To Michelle,
You are still “GOLD” in my eyes, god bless you always
Proud Marine Mom
Dear Michelle,
The winter olympic figure skating competition is just not the same without you. I miss you, but I know just how well you’ll do if you’re in it. You are the champion, forever…
Lydia
Dear Michelle,
The winter olympic is just not the same without you. I miss you during the lady’s figure skating competition, but there’s no doubt in my mind that you’ll win the gold. You are a true champion inside out, I love you forever.
Lydia
Great things come to those who wait. Keep pushing toward your dreams and they will come through. I learnt that from you.
Hope to see you back on the ice very soon!
Luv Asiaa
Dear Michelle,
I have been watching and cheering for you ever since you first competed at the U.S. Nationals. Your performances always warm us, wow us, but most importantly, bring us into your heartfelt performances like no other skater can. All of us are here with you through your triumphs and heartbreaks. We hope that you never give up and never let life’s obstacles keep your champion’s spirit down.
Always,
Jenny Lin-Alva
Dear Michelle,
The country is so very proud of you. You’ve always handled yourself as an Olympic champion on and off the ice. I wish you well and look forward to seeing you back on the ice again. We love you Michelle!
Elsa Carlson
Michelle, you have inspired me since I was a little girl, and you continue to do so. No one can skate as beautifully as you do, and no other skater shows as much passion and joy on the ice. You are world-class, in the realm of figure skating and in general. Continue to do what makes you happy, and just know that you have touched so many people in your life so far.
Thank you!
Hello Michelle,
I’m sure you have already read your armload of get well letters and complimentary letters before you have gotten to mine. However, I would still like to commend you on your decision to exit the Torino Games this year. I know how hard it must have been for you and as a sincere fan, I was there, heartbroken as you were. Nevertheless, I encourage you and ask for you to go on. Do not let this small downfall cause you to relinquish your gifts and talents forever. When God, or Buddha, or the Lord, etc, gives a person a talent, he/she is expected to share and show that talent and gift until he/she is incapable (physically) of going on at all. I understand how hard skating is at such a tender age and how much work is needed, but the World needs you. Who else CAN replace Michelle Kwan, the multiple-World Championa nd U.S. Champion? Who else can serve as a role model to millions of girls and boys in the World, not only in ice skating, but in pursuing their own interests and following their hearts in order to succeed. I must admit that it was your persistence that helped encourage me to be hard working and persistent and I am eternally grateful for your influence. However, there still exists a multitude of children and others who don’t have a hope. Instead of letting this fall signal the fall of Michelle Kwan, let this fall signal the rebirth of Michelle Kwan, the Michelle Kwan whom has never backed down, the Michelle Kwan who defies all critics and skates to her personal best. I don’t want you to listen to what critics say or what others believe to be the right age for a skater, I want you to listen to your heart, the millions of people who look up to you as a role model, and the potential millions who will be just as captivated by you as we are. You will forever go down in history, Gold medal or not, as one of the greatest persons (not merely a skater) of all time.
I thank you for all you have contributed to us and I sincerely hope that you will continue to skate and inspire more people everyday.
Michael S.
Best of Luck and a speedy Recovery!!
Just saw the gold medal round. You totally could have beat all thoes girls, come back, you can do it!
michelle — you have always shown such grace and class, and recent events have been no exception. i’ve been thinking about you as i watch the skating, and hoping you are well and happy.
Dear Michelle,
You are the most beautiful and graceful skater in the history of figure skating.Your skating brings tears to my eyes.You become the music that you skate.I have been a fan of yours since you began your career and will continue to be.You exhibit such pose, integrity and courage. You certainly wear your heart on your sleeve and your heart shows thru in every step that you skate.Those of us watching feel your emotion.The Olympics figure skating has just completed and there was not a skater in the competition that could compare to you.I wish you a speedy recovery and I pray that you will consider 2010 Olympics.Please don’t deny your fans the priviledge of watching you perform again.You have ALWAYS been a Gold metal winner in our eyes! Don’t be discouraged by age.29 is NOT TOO OLD.Look at the other sports and their ages.The Russian skater who just won bronze is 27 and probably will continue.YOU can do it and I know that the US (and world) would love to see you compete again.Please consider!!!!!
Sincerely
MS
Michelle,
I have always been a fan of yours from the start. Even so that my ten year old’s first word was “Kwan”. No kidding. She loves you and from the age of one could tell who you were on the ice apart from everyone else. You have such a gifted talent for ice skating that is unique and graceful and always a joy to watch. I know you are busy but if you can say hi to my little girl on our email(vivitorial@aol.com) or maybe autograph a picture for her she would be beside herself. I have a two year old too and we all love you Michelle. May you have more success in all you do. We live near your rink and will be going to UCLA soon, maybe we will cross paths one day. Oh, my ten year old is a dancer but she models her grace after you. Thank you for taking time to read. Love, Denicia, Victoria(10), and Vivionna(2)
Michelle,
You still have so much to offer! I pray that you will have a speedy recovery. God bless you!
I am a huge fan and have been since you first joined the senior ranks. I just want you to know that watching you skate has been a joy all these years. Indeed, it just isn’t the same watching a competition without you in it. I hope that whatever you decide to do in the future that you will still skate. Please!
Michelle,
You have been such an inspiration on and off the ice. You don’t need a gold medal to prove that you are one of the best figure skaters of all time. If you had won it initially, then you might have faded away. But today, without one, you have become a true champion with your graciousness. No one will forget you…and some of the biggest greats never won the ultimate prize. Like Cary Grant never won an Oscar. But people still remember him as one of the best classic actors ever. You’ll be the same. Good luck!
Sharmeen
Michelle…you are the olympics for me. I pray you skate in 2010…not just for the gold but so fans like me can still watch such a beautiful, graceful person. Please let us know how you are doing and what your plans include. Ann
Michelle…you are the olympics for me. I pray you skate in 2010…not just for the gold but so fans like me can still watch such a beautiful, graceful person. Please let us know how you are doing and what your plans include. Ann
Michelle
I am and old lady of 73 and enjoy your beautiful skating. I hope and pray that you will be well soon. Please don’t give up skating, keep going if your health will let you. I will be looking for you in the 2010 Olympics
and you will have your gold to match your heart.
Watching your career has brought much fun and excitement into my life. Without someone like you to bring joy and interest to the sport, I would have changed the channel. Instead, I, who has never put on a pair of skates in my life, can talk about skating and World Championships, and watch the Olympics with a sense of being a part of something instead of just a viewer at home. In high school (nagano) I watched as a junior and was inspired that someone my age could be so dedicated and accomplish so much. After college (Salt Lake), I admired your grace and competitiveness- I was so cheering for you at the Worlds that year!! After grad school (Torino) I made fun of myself for crying over someone I didnt even know, and was so proud of you for making such a tough decision and doing it with integrity. All the in betweens I enjoyed watching you– I respect that someone the same age as me can accomplish so much in their life. Thanks for the joy you bring and for being a role model for others. You are well-respected and I have and will continue to enjoy watching you skate! Hope to see you at Champions on Ice in Dallas!
Michelle, In my personally and most honest opinion you should have skated to your hearts delight and truly been the last one standing on the ice.
The Olympics were lackluster without your presence and I wish you peace, happiness and strength as you PREPARE 4 Vancouver….my fingers are crossed - wink!
hi michelle. I am a 14-year old from miami, florida. i have seen you in the Olympics ever since 1998 and i believe you are the best figure skater ever. Just please know this : strength is not measure by your age , but by the courage within you. It doesn’t matter how old you are going to be by 2010, YOU CAN DO IT!I hope and wish to see you in Canada in 2010 while i am at home cheering you on celebrating my graduation from high school. I BELIEVE IN YOU! dont let others bring you down and just practice. You are my idol and it hurts me too when others doubt you, but i still believe you and will always believe in you. You deserve the gold, it is yours, dont let it be something you could have had but never got it. Plese recover from your injury and come back. The sport will not be the same without you. Just one more thing, you are amazing and know that you have inspired me to take figure skating. Thank you so much!!!! —– Ivonne Navarro
Michelle, I have always thought you’re the best figure skater in the world. It’s not that you’ve won so many awards or medals or trophies. But it’s how you make the audience feel so full of wonder and you touch everyone with your grace and beauty on the ice. Everytime I’ve seen you perform on television, it’s like I’ve been treated to something special and so wonderful. You deserve the ultimate respect. Please take very good care of your injury so we can once again see your beauty on ice. Mahalo from Hawaii!
Angela Ponce
Hi,
It has always been so fun to sit down with my family and watch you skate on the television. You are such an amazing skater. I love how graceful and artistic you are on ice. Thanks for being such a wonderful role model for my friends and me. Good luck
Tracy Hsu
It breaks my heart- you would have won gold! Everyone except for the Japan girl choked! You could have skated better than all of them injured. Get well soon! Figure skating needs you! America needs you! Irena was robbed of the silver medal and so was Fume!
Someone please post this under the “Six good reasons why Michelle will go for Vancouver… ” thread, since I can’t seem to register. Thanks:
Well, I have one good reason why Michelle will compete at the 2010 Olympics: She is the Michael Jordan of figure skating. Sure, she might retire for a year or two. But heck, even M.J. retired three times up until he was 40, and kept coming back because he could!!! Because frankly, who could compete with him? Same goes with M.K. She can still compete with the best of them. I say take two years off, then return with Frank Carroll by her side.
Michelle,
You are such a wonderful skater.with grace that so few have…Get that injury healthy and “Go for the Gold” in Canada in 2010. You can do it..
Follow that Dream…You deserve Gold
Michelle, I remember when I first watched you skate in the Olympics when Tara Lapinsky was skating. From that point on I have always followed you and watched your performances and always looked forward to the Winter Games. I would have loved to have seen you get the gold, but your a gold medal winner in my heart. You are a tremendous person and a great competitor. Thanks for the memories. May God bless you.
I was all psyched-up to watch the Figure Skating portion of the Olympic Games in Turin on TV and after you withdrew, I realized how boring the Olympics was! It suddenly turned like a big black cloud. I said it before in 2002 and I’ll say it again– you already won the gold medal, many times over, and no other champion can match the stamp that you accomplish on ice, and even out of it! I saw your face instead of whoever was holding the gold. God bless you always.
Not to take away from the lady from Japan, although she skated a “clean” program, it was a bit tenative and conservative. She definitely lacked the “fire and passion” you have exhibited in most of the programs you have skated for the last decade. One can only truly appreciate a great skater when one looks at the overall consistency and not just one “once in a lifetime” performance. You are and will remain, my dear, one of the best and the greatest skaters ever.
Dear Michelle,
Hi, my name is Leslie and I have six learning disabilities I was born with. You are my idol and you keep me going in school. No matter what challenges I have to face to become a teacher with disabilities and to be where I am today. All I’m asking for is to see you skate one more season whether you win or lose.
There are a lot of people saying I can’t be a teacher with learning disabilities, but
you keep me going.
You always say; “Never give up, and you can be anything you put your mind to.”
Even if I’m not getting the best grades I still stay in school because I only have 12 credits left to be a daycare teacher. I want my dream to come true and it will no matter what it takes.
When I first saw you skate I love you from that moment on as my idol. I saw you skate in front of me at The Dow Event Center in Saginaw Michigan. I cry like no tomorrow and my sister Lisa was with me. I wanted to meet you back stage, but we did not have though tickets. I would like to still meet you because you are my inspiration.
I love your advice and style of your skating that tell me never to give up. No matter if you win or not I just want to see you skate one more season. Please have my dream come to and maybe someday I will meet you in person. I don’t want you to say goodbye to skating yet. All I’m asking is one more season. That will keep me going in school because I about two more years to graduate from college as a daycare teacher. All the way you have been there in my life pushing me to keep going.
Now I’m going to tell you how hard it was to get where I am today.
Here is where Leslie wonderful life starts out on her first day of preschool at a Japan school in the city of Okinawa. My adopt father was in the army and that is why we were in Japan. She was having a great day till she was told to go to speech class. She threw a chair at her speech teacher because she wanted to be with her friends. Jackie my speech teacher helps me say the letters of the alphabet and memorize the words because hook on phonics did not work for me.
I couldn’t not understand the spoken language until I was seven years old and that’s why I though I could not take a second language. Leslie could not walk, skip, or jump till she went through occupational therapy. I learn how to read and understand what I read in fifth grade. My reading for the moment is beginning fifth grade and my comprehension is beginning fourth grade. If fifth grade she uses to write fables for the school play because she didn’t want to be in the play.
In seventh grade I learn how to write stories, books, and songs sometimes in the last couple years. I can’t sing because I’m tone deaf and I’m trying to find someone to song my songs. I also learned to believe in myself and try to act normal as the rest of the kids do.
In high school, she had to prove to the teachers and the school that she was not stupid. Leslie has been in special education most of her life, but was more ahead than the other kids. She picked up things quicker, than the other kids did.
She had to prove she could learn a second language either though she had a speech problem. She took Spanish and got a B plus. She took human development and childcare to prove she can take care and teacher kids. During her senior year she learns how to write poems does not write songs anymore. She hated being in special education classes and her senior years of her second semester she was put in all normal classes. She took classes with the same teacher for three of them and passes with mostly A’s. Her grade point average shot up from 2.9 her freshmen’s year to senior years it was 3.7.
What I have learned through all of these problems that I can do just about anything, but my biggest problem was I felt sorry for myself for years and it took me sixteen years to love myself. My emotions from three divorces which everyone around doesn’t think they brother me, but they did. I always try to fit in at school, but you can’t because everyone is different in her or his way. No matter who you are, just be yourself and do your best.
In college her grades start good and now my grade point average is 2.1 and was 3.3. I’m trying my best and never giving up. My counselor told me I need a break, but I know if I did. I would never go back and I don’t want to be like my mom graduate when I’m forty. I’m only twenty-four and have two years left and I’m not going to quit now. I work to hard to get this far and to throw it all a way.
Now see what your advice has helped me over come and get where I am today. Now do me the favor of giving me my wish to see you skate one more season and maybe meet you in person someday.
Love your fan Leslie