Is it possible that some of the grumbling about our current Ladies is Michelle's fault?
She set the bar so high and left a legacy that may never be equaled again by a US Lady skater.
From her biography at RISE
"The most decorated figure skater in U.S. history, Michelle Kwan’s skating brilliance and accomplishments have earned her a place among the all-time greats of the sport. For more than a decade (1995-2005), Michelle dominated the sport like no other skater in history, winning an unprecedented 43 championships, including five World Championships, nine U.S. championships (eight consecutive) and two Olympic medals. In the nearly 100-year history of U.S. figure skating, no American man or woman has won more World titles, U.S. titles or Olympic medals.
Kwan’s activities off the ice have been equally noteworthy. In November 2006, the U.S. Secretary of State appointed her the first U.S. Public Diplomacy Envoy. In this capacity, Kwan travels the world and meets with young people to speak about leadership and to engage them in dialogue on social and educational issues. In June 2010, President Barack Obama appointed her to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, a group that advises the president on ways to engage, empower and educate all Americans to lead active, healthy lifestyles.
Kwan graduated from the University of Denver in November 2008 with a degree in international studies. She attends graduate school full time at Tufts University’s Fletcher School, where she is pursuing a master’s degree in international affairs.
Kwan’s skating artistry and grace are without equal. In her career she received 57 perfect 6.0 marks, the most by any skater in history. No performances were better than her two at the 1998 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, where she earned a record 15 perfect 6.0 marks out of a possible 18. To this day, it is called “the gold standard for future generations of figure skaters.”
Kwan has earned numerous awards and honors, including 2003 U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) SportsWoman of the Year; 2001 Sullivan Award (given to the top amateur athlete in America); 1998 Sportswoman of the Year by the Women’s Sports Foundation; 2002 and 2003 Kids’ Choice Award; and the 2002 Teen Choice Award for America’s favorite female athlete. She was selected one of People magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People in the World” in 2000. In 2003, Kwan earned her seventh U.S. Figure Skating Skater of the Year award. In an unprecedented move, U.S. Figure Skating renamed the award in her honor. It is now called the Michelle Kwan Trophy. In May 2010, Michelle received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Southern Vermont College."
For more information and pictures visit the RISE website at:
http://www.rise1961.com/about-the-film/
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