Michelle Kwan
Michelle Kwan is the most decorated figure skater in U.S. history. Kwan's skating brilliance and accomplishments have earned her a place among the all-time great, of the sport. In her career she has won an unprecedented 42 championships, including five World Championships (1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003), seven consecutive and eight overall National Championships (1996, 19982004) and two Olympic medals (silver, 1998; bronze, 2002). Her seven consecutive national titles (1998-2004) and 11 consecutive national medals (1994-2004) are both U.S. records, to mention but a few of her accomplishments. Among her other awards and honors are the 2003 U.S. Olympic Committee Sportswoman of the Year; 2001 Sullivan Award as the top amateur athlete in America; and 1998 Sportswoman of the Year by the Women's Sports Foundation, among others. She recently earned her seventh U.S. Figure Skating Skater of the YearAward (1994, 1996, 1999, 2001-2003), the only multiple winner of the prestigious award. In an unprecedented move, U.S. Figure Skating renamed the award in her honor in 2004, now known as the Michelle Kwan Trophy.
Kwan began skating at age 5, winning her first competition at age 7. She has enjoyed great success in the entertainment world, among which her primefime TV special, "Reflections on Ice: Michelle Skates to the Music of Disney's Mulan," was selected as Best Produced Skating Special 1998-99. Her autobiography, Michelle Kwanr Heart of a Champion, published in 1997, is now in its sixth printing. She has also authored two books, The WinningAtticude! and My Special Moments, collaborated on the six-book fiction series, Michelle Kwan Presents Skating Dreams and stars in her own interactive game. In addition, she serves as national spokesperson for the Children's Miracle Network, was selected as one of People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People in the World for 2000 and serves as spokesperson for the Walt Disney Company.
Note: This profile was written in or before 2005.
Michelle Kwan Facts
Selected Filmography
