Michelle Wingshan Kwan (born July 7, 1980) is a retired competitive figure skater and diplomat serving as United States Ambassador to Belize. In figure skating Kwan is a two-time Olympic medalist (silver in 1998, bronze in 2002), a five-time World champion (1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003) and a nine-time U.S. champion (1996, 1998–2005). She is tied with Maribel Vinson for the all-time National Championship record.

Michelle Kwan
Kwan in 2022
United States Ambassador to Belize
Assumed office
December 5, 2022
PresidentJoe Biden
Preceded byLeyla Moses-Ones (chargé d'affaires)
Personal details
Born (1980-07-07) July 7, 1980 (age 43)
Torrance, California, U.S.
Height5 ft 2 in (157 cm)
Spouse
(m. 2013; div. 2017)
Children1
Residence(s)California, U.S.
Figure skating career
Country United States
Skating clubLos Angeles FSC
Retired2006
Medal record
Ladies' singles figure skating
Representing the  United States
Event 1st 2nd 3rd
Olympic Games 0 1 1
World Championships 5 3 1
Grand Prix Final 1 4 0
World Junior Championships 1 0 0
Total 7 8 2
Olympic Games
Silver medal – second place 1998 Nagano Ladies' singles
Bronze medal – third place 2002 Salt Lake City Ladies' singles
World Championships
Gold medal – first place 1996 Edmonton Ladies' singles
Gold medal – first place 1998 Minneapolis Ladies' singles
Gold medal – first place 2000 Nice Ladies' singles
Gold medal – first place 2001 Vancouver Ladies' singles
Gold medal – first place 2003 Washington, D.C. Ladies' singles
Silver medal – second place 1997 Lausanne Ladies' singles
Silver medal – second place 1999 Helsinki Ladies' singles
Silver medal – second place 2002 Nagano Ladies' singles
Bronze medal – third place 2004 Dortmund Ladies' singles
Grand Prix Final
Gold medal – first place 1995–1996 Paris Ladies' singles
Silver medal – second place 1996–1997 Hamilton Ladies' singles
Silver medal – second place 1999–2000 Lyon Ladies' singles
Silver medal – second place 2000–2001 Tokyo Ladies' singles
Silver medal – second place 2001–2002 Kitchener Ladies' singles
Goodwill Games
Gold medal – first place 1998 New York City Ladies' singles
Silver medal – second place 1994 Saint Petersburg Ladies' singles
Silver medal – second place 2001 Brisbane Ladies' singles
World Junior Championships
Gold medal – first place 1994 Colorado Springs Ladies' singles
Michelle Kwan
Traditional Chinese關穎珊[1]
Simplified Chinese关颖珊

She competed at the senior level for over a decade and is the most decorated figure skater in U.S. history.[2] Known for her consistency and expressive artistry on ice, she is widely considered one of the greatest figure skaters of all time.[3]

For well over a decade, Kwan maintained her status not only as America's most popular figure skater but as one of America's most popular female athletes.[4] Kwan landed numerous major endorsement deals, starred in multiple TV specials and was the subject of extensive media coverage.[5] From 1997 to 2005, she was the U.S. Figure Skating Association's top-paid skater in appearance fees and prize money,[6] as well as one of the highest paid Winter Olympic athletes in endorsements.[7][8] Kwan was also the highest-paid skater on the Champions on Ice tours.[9]

Following her figure skating career, Kwan became active in politics, particularly with the Democratic Party. In January 2022, President Joe Biden nominated Kwan to be U.S. Ambassador to Belize. She was confirmed by the Senate on September 29, 2022, took the oath of office on October 22, and presented her credentials on December 5.

Early life and education edit

Born in Torrance, California, Kwan was the third child of Danny Kwan and Estella Kwan, Chinese immigrants from Hong Kong. Her father was a native of Canton and emigrated from Hong Kong to California in 1971.[10][11] Kwan grew up speaking both Cantonese and English at home.[12]

Kwan's interest in figure skating began at the age of five when she followed her two older siblings (ice hockey player Ron and figure skater Karen) onto the ice.[13] Karen and Michelle began serious training when Michelle was about eight years old. They practiced three to four hours a day, waking up at 4:30am and arriving at the rink at 5:00am to skate before school, and then going back to the rink right after school to skate again. Paying for their increased skating-rink time led to financial hardship for Kwan's working-class family. When Kwan was ten years old, her family could no longer afford a coach, but they were offered financial assistance by a fellow member of the Los Angeles Figure Skating Club[14] that allowed them to train at the Ice Castle International Training Center in Lake Arrowhead, California.

Kwan attended Soleado Elementary School in Palos Verdes, California, but left public school to be homeschooled in 1994, when she was in the 8th grade.[15] After graduation from Rim of the World High School in 1998, Kwan attended University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) for one year.

In the fall of 2006, she transferred to the University of Denver (DU).[16] Kwan mentioned that her attendance at DU marked a significant "turning point" in her life. She made the shift from having tutors since 7th grade and being a full-time skater to becoming a full-time student. During her initial weeks at DU, she had to use crutches due to hip surgery.[17]

Shortly after her arrival at DU, Kwan engaged in an international studies internship. Condoleezza Rice, the former Secretary of State, appointed Kwan as the inaugural American Public Diplomacy Envoy. Her role was to foster a better understanding of America by sharing her personal story through cross-cultural dialogues with international students.[17]

Kwan mentioned the challenges of balancing travel and school, recounting instances when she had to take exams on campus shortly after returning from a 15-hour flight. She applied the knowledge gained in her classroom to her international endeavors.[17]

In June 2009, she graduated from Denver's Josef Korbel School of International Studies with a bachelor's degree in international studies and a minor in political science.[18] In 2009, she began graduate studies in international relations at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University[19] and graduated in 2011.[20][21] On May 8, 2010, she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Southern Vermont College.[22]

Career edit

 
Michelle Kwan performing her signature spiral at a practice session at the 2002 U.S. Figure Skating Championships

Kwan won five World Championships (1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003), tying her with Carol Heiss (1956–1960) for the most world titles by an American. Kwan's nine world medals overall is the all-time record for an American skater in any discipline. The only ladies' singles skater with more world titles or medals is Sonia Henie of Norway. Kwan won nine U.S. Championships (1996, 1998–2005), tying the record for most wins set by Maribel Vinson-Owen (1928–1933, 1935–1937). She holds the record for the most consecutive U.S. titles (eight) and most consecutive U.S. Championship medals (twelve). She also earned the silver medal at the 1998 Nagano Olympics and the bronze medal in the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. Kwan has received a combined total of 57 perfect marks (6.0s) at major competitions, the singles record under the former 6.0 judging system.[2]

Early competition edit

In 1991, Michelle Kwan and her sister Karen began training with Frank Carroll in Lake Arrowhead, California. After one year of coaching by Carroll, 11-year-old Michelle placed 9th at the junior level at the United States Figure Skating Championships. At the age of 12 in 1992, Michelle passed the gold test to become a senior-level figure skater despite the disapproval of her coach. In 1993, Kwan finished sixth at her first senior U.S. championships. The next season, she won the 1994 World Junior Championships.

In 1994, Kwan finished second to Tonya Harding at the U.S. Championships, which ordinarily would have placed her on the U.S. team to the 1994 Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway. That place was instead given to 1993 national champion Nancy Kerrigan, who had been sidelined by an assault and battery (eventually connected to Harding's ex-husband Jeff Gillooly) after a practice session at those championships. The 13-year-old Kwan went to Norway as an alternate but did not compete. Kerrigan and Harding both dropped out of eligible competition before the 1994 World Championships. Because of this (and teammate Nicole Bobek not making it out of the qualifying round), Kwan had the sole responsibility to ensure two entries for the U.S. at the 1995 World Championships by placing in the top ten. Kwan had an unusual mistake in the short program and placed eleventh in that portion of the competition, but skated a strong freestyle program and finished eighth overall.

At the 1995 U.S. Championships, Nicole Bobek won the gold medal, while Kwan again placed second after struggling with her lutz jump in both the short program and free skate. At the 1995 World Championships, Kwan was in fifth place after the short program. She skated last in the free skate, giving the best performance of her career up to that point, completing all seven of her triple jumps, and "exuding joy and enthusiasm".[23] She finished in third place in the free skate, behind Chen Lu from China, who came in first place, and French skater Surya Bonaly, who came in second. Kwan came in fourth place overall, behind American Nicole Bobeck, who came in third place overall, even though she came in fourth place in the free skate and despite Kwan's successful execution of her jumps, which were second in difficulty behind Bonaly's.[23]

Artistic development and 1998 Olympics edit

Kwan began to develop a more mature style during the 1995 season. She used "Romanza" for her short program and in her free skate, music from "Salome's dance" from the film score King of Kings by Miklós Rózsa and "The Dance of the Seven Veils" from the Richard Strauss opera Salome, both pieces depicting the Biblical story of Salome seducing King Herod.[24] She also improved her extension, speed and jump technique, and performed to more difficult choreography.[citation needed] Carroll defended their decision to make Kwan appear more mature by stating that they were giving the judges what they wanted, saying, "The judges were looking for the ladies' champion of the world, not the girls' champion of the world".[24]

In both her practices and during her performance at Skate America, Kwan wore her hair in a bun instead of a ponytail and wore heavy theatrical makeup, including rhinestones pasted near the corner of her eyes.[24] Her costume consisted of "a short-sleeved rich purple dress with rhinestone-studded flesh-colored fabric across the midriff and deep front and black necklines, ornamated with elaborate sequined floral patterns in gold and bright pastels".[24] According to writer Ellyn Kestnbaum, Kwan was inspired more to the music than to the narrative, which as Kestnbaum criticized, revealed Kwan as "a sexual being".[23] Kestnbaum stated, however, that she found it difficult to construct a linear narrative about the seductive Salome, but that Kwan's moves "might better represent a young woman venturing confidently into the world, encountering loss and confusion, but ultimately finding peace and triumph".[25][a] Kestnbaum also stated that Kwan's movements in the program evoked "images of a sensual, luxurious, exotic Middle East".[26]

Kwan's free skate consisted of seven successfully-executed triple jumps, including two triple Lutz jumps, one of which was done in combination and was debuted at Skate America and the other preceded by intricate steps. Other elements, such as the complexity of her steps that connected these elements and her spin positions' originality and variety, also contributed to the program's difficulty and artistry. Kestnbaum insists that Kwan's increased speed, the strong debut of her triple-triple jump, and her improved poise, precision, and posture "say more than her hairstyle or makeup about her new maturity as a skater".[25] Kestnbaum states that Kwan's fellow competitors were better in how they executed flow across the ice, speed, and height of their jumps and that although Kwan exhibited more caution and control than her competitors, she skated with "new power and excitement compared to her younger self".[25] Kestnbaum credits the success of the Salome program to Kwan's intricate choreography, which featured emotional depth during the program's heavier moments and frequent reversals of direction that often unexpectedly led to spins or jumps.[26] Kwan ended up winning Skate America in 1995.[25]

Kwan won both the U.S. Championships and the World Championships in 1996. In the later event, she edged out defending champion Chen Lu in a very close competition in which both competitors garnered two perfect 6.0s for Presentation in the free skate.[citation needed] She was the third youngest figure skater to hold both titles. The1996-97 season marked the beginning of a winning streak for Kwan that lasted more than a year, from the fall of 1995 to the fall of 1996. As Kestnbaum put it, Kwan became "the most consistent and well-rounded skater in the [women's] field, taking on an almost legendary mystique as she continued to mature as a feminine artistic skater emphasizing beauty, musicality, and dramatic storylines concerned with love and death".[27]

In the 1996–97 season, Kwan skated to "Dream of Desdemona" (short program) and "Taj Mahal" (free skate). During this season, Kwan struggled with her jumps because of a growth spurt, which affected her balance on her jump, and problems with new skating boots which she wore for an endorsement contract with the manufacturer.[27][28] She won the short program at the 1997 U.S. Nationals, but fell early in her free skate and as she later stated, "panicked" and made several more errors. She lost to Tara Lipinski, who came in first place in her free skate. Three weeks later, at the Champion Series Final, she again lost to Lipinski, who completed more successful jumps than Kwan in both the short program and free skate.[27] At the 1997 World Championships, Kwan came in second place, behind Lipinski, who won the gold medal. Kwan came in fourth place in her short program due to an unsuccessful jump combination while Lipinski came in first place and Irina Slutskaya, who missed her combination jump, came in sixth place. All three skaters performed well during their free skates, each earning first-place ordinals from three of the nine judges. Kwan won the free skate, with Lipinski coming in second place and Slutskaya coming in third place. Kwan's jumps in her free skate were not as difficult as Lipinski and Slutskaya's, but her skating between her jumps was more complex and demonstrated "more polished refinement".[29] Overall, Lipinski came in first place, Kwan came in second place, and Slutskaya came in fourth place behind Vanessa Gusmeroli of France.[30]

Going into the 1997—98 Olympic season, the American press "play[ed] up the Kwan-Lipinski rivalry for all it was worth".[31] According to Kestnbaum, Kwan's programs emphasized sophistication and pure skating, which Kestnbaum called "a change of pace"[31] from her previous two seasons, which featured dramatic storylines. Kestbaum also called both Kwan's programs "carefully choreographed expressions of joy".[32] For Kwan's short program, she chose piano music by Rachmaninoff, and for her free skating program, she chose music from the concerto Lyra Angelica by William Alwyn. She came in first place at Skate America, winning both the short program and free skate, while Lipinski came in second place.[31] She also won Skate Canada, but suffered a stress fracture on her foot and was forced to withdraw from her third Champions Series Final. Kwan regained her U.S. title from Lipinski at the 1998 National Championships, despite her fractured toe.[citation needed] Her injury prevented her from attempting her triple toe-triple toe combination, but she completed all seven jumps in her short program earned 6.0s from eight of the nine judges. As Kestnbaum put it, Kwan "skated with a transcendent floating quality that was becoming her trademark".[33] Many people consider her performances at the 1998 U.S. Championships to be the high point of her career from both a technical and artistic standpoint.[34] Both performances earned her fifteen perfect 6.0s and left two judges in tears.[35]

Kwan and Lipinski were co-favorites to win the 1998 Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan. Kwan placed first in the short program, winning eight first place votes out of nine judges, while Lipinski came in second place. In the free skate, Kwan, who skated first in the final group, executed a clean seven-triple performance but placed behind Lipinski, who also did seven triples including a triple loop/triple loop combination and a triple toe-loop/half-loop/triple Salchow. Kwan's performance was "graceful and well-measured, filled with complex edging and unusual moves such as a sequence of spins in both directions".[36] Kestnbaum called Kwan's free skate "tenative and slow" as compared to her performance at Nationals. Her jumps were more difficult and bigger than Lipinski's, but Kwan's were not as high and did not cover as much ice as her competitors' jumps.[36] Lipinski's spins were faster than Kwan's. The judges awarded Lipinski with higher technical scores and gave both Lipinski and Kwan the same presentation scores, mostly 5.9s, although Lipinski won the free skate.[32] Kwan ended up winning the silver medal, with the gold medal going to Lipinski and the bronze medal to Chen Lu.[37][38]

Lipinski and Chen both retired from competitive skating shortly after the Olympics, while Kwan went on to win the 1998 World Championships in Minneapolis.

From 1998 to 2002 Olympics edit

 
Kwan completing her Scheherazade long program at the 2001–02 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final in Ontario, Canada

Kwan continued to compete as an eligible skater in the 1998–99 season, although she bypassed the fall Grand Prix season and instead chose to skate in a series of made-for-television pro-am events. Her "regular" competitive programs that season were "Fate of Carmen" (short program) and "Lamento D'Ariane" (free skate). Kwan won her third national title at the 1999 U.S. Championships, competing against a weak field. At the 1999 World Championships, Kwan did not skate her best,[39] and placed second behind Russian competitor Maria Butyrskaya.[40]

Kwan's win at the 2000 U.S. Nationals was controversial to some.[41] She was criticized for planning an easier solo jump in her short program than some of her competitors (a triple toe loop rather than a triple flip), and fell on this element in the competition. The judges nevertheless placed her third in that segment behind younger challengers Sasha Cohen and Sarah Hughes;[42] however, the placement still kept her in contention for the title. Ultimately, she won the free skate with the best performance of the night, capturing 8 of the 9 first-place ordinals.[43] At the 2000 World Championships, Kwan was again in third place after the short program, behind Maria Butyrskaya and Irina Slutskaya. In her free skate, Kwan landed seven triple jumps, including a triple toe loop/triple toe loop combination, and won that segment of the competition. Butyrskaya lost her commanding lead by finishing third behind Slutskaya in the free skate, allowing Kwan to win the overall title as well.[44]

During the 2000–2001 season, Kwan began working with the famed designer (and former figure skater) Vera Wang, who designed most of her competition and exhibition costumes for the next six years. Kwan was only the second figure skater Wang designed for, following Nancy Kerrigan.[45] At that year's national championships, Kwan again won the title, receiving first-place ordinals from all 9 judges in both the short program and free skate. At the 2001 World Championships, Kwan was second behind Slutskaya in the short program. Kwan won the title with her "Song of the Black Swan" free skate, executing 7 triples, including a triple toe loop/triple toe loop combination.[46]

Kwan and Carroll decided to end their coaching relationship two days before the start of the 2001 Skate America competition.[13] In interviews, Kwan said she needed to "take responsibility" for her skating.[47] Coachless, Kwan arrived at the 2002 U.S. Championships in Los Angeles amid the media's scrutiny over her separation with Carroll and her season's inconsistencies. Kwan won the competition with a revived "Rachmaninoff" short program and a new "Scheherazade" program for her free skate, securing a place on the 2002 Olympic team. Joining her on the team were Sasha Cohen (second) and Sarah Hughes (third).[48] The 21-year-old Kwan and Russia's Irina Slutskaya were favorites to win the gold. Kwan led after the short program, followed by Slutskaya, Cohen, and Hughes. In the free skate, Kwan two-footed her triple toe loop combination and fell on her triple flip, while Sarah Hughes skated a clean program. Kwan won the bronze medal behind Hughes and Slutskaya.[49] Kwan's final event of the season was the 2002 Worlds, where she won the silver medal behind Slutskaya.

2002–2006 edit

 
Kwan skating to "Fallin'" in the 2004 World Figure Skating Championships in Dortmund, Germany

Kwan began working with coach Scott Williams in the summer of 2002.[13] She continued to compete on the Olympic-eligible circuit, although in a more limited way. During the fall seasons of 2002 to 2004, Kwan competed in only one Grand Prix event, Skate America in the fall of 2002, which she entered as a last-minute replacement. She won the event and qualified for the Grand Prix Final but chose not to compete in it. Kwan chose to not compete in Grand Prix events in the 2003 and 2004 seasons where the new judging system was being used. Kwan won all phases of every competition she entered in the 2002–2003 competitive season with her programs: Peter Gabriel's "The Feeling Begins" from The Last Temptation of Christ (short program) and "Concierto de Aranjuez" (free skate). She won the U.S. Championships again and regained her World title.

In autumn 2003, she hired the noted technician Rafael Arutyunyan as her coach,[13] with whom she attempted to increase the technical difficulty of her programs and hone her jump technique. In the 2003–2004 competitive season, she skated again to "The Feeling Begins" for her short program, and Puccini's "Tosca" for her long program. Again, Kwan won the U.S. Championships, earning seven more 6.0s for presentation during the free skating. At the 2004 World Championships, after a difficult qualifying round, Kwan was penalized in her short program for going two seconds over the time limit. This caused her to place fourth going into the long program, behind American Sasha Cohen, Japan's Shizuka Arakawa, and Miki Ando.[50] Kwan skated a clean performance with five triples and received the last 6.0 marks given at the World Championships. She placed second in the free skating portion (she was one judge short from winning the free skating) and placed third overall, behind Arakawa (who performed seven triples, including two triple-triple combinations) and Cohen.

For the 2004–2005 competitive season, Kwan skated her long program to "Boléro", choreographed by British ice dancer Christopher Dean who had famously skated to the music with Jayne Torvill two decades before, and debuted a new short program, "Adagio" from Aram Khachaturian's ballet Spartacus. At the U.S. Championships, she won her 9th title, tying the all-time record previously set by Maribel Vinson-Owen. Vinson-Owen had coached Frank Carroll, who in turn coached Kwan. At the 2005 World Championship, Kwan competed for the first time under the new judging system. She had a rough qualifying round and placed third in the short program. In the free skate, Kwan fell on her triple salchow and two-footed a triple lutz. Although she finished third in both the short and long program portion of the competition, Kwan was edged by Carolina Kostner for the bronze medal and finished fourth overall, missing third place by 0.37 points. It was the first time since 1995 that Kwan had failed to medal at any international competition, and would be her final competitive event.

2006 Olympics edit

 
Kwan announcing her withdrawal from the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, February 12, 2006

Kwan looked at the 2005 Worlds as a learning experience in the ISU Judging System. She continued to train and stated that she would attempt to qualify for the 2006 Olympic Games in Turin, Italy.[51] However, following a hip injury, she was forced to withdraw from her three planned competitions in the fall of 2005. Kwan skated her new short program ("Totentanz") at a made-for-TV event in December 2005, but her performance was well below her usual standard. On January 4, 2006, Kwan withdrew from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships with an abdominal injury incurred in December 2005. One week later, she filed a petition with the USFSA for a medical waiver to be placed on the 2006 Olympic figure skating team.[51] On January 14, 2006, after the United States ladies' figure skating event, the USFSA's International Committee met and in a 20 to 3 vote approved Kwan's petition under the stipulation that she show her physical and competitive readiness to a five-member monitoring panel by January 27.

Kwan performed her long and short programs for the panel on the stipulated day, and her spot on the Olympic team was established, as the panel felt she was fit to compete. However, on February 12, 2006, the United States Olympic Committee announced that Kwan had withdrawn from the Games after suffering a new groin injury in her first practice in Turin. Kwan remarked that she "respected the Olympics too much to compete".[52] The Turin organizing committee accepted the USOC's application for Emily Hughes (who had finished third at the U.S. Championships) to compete as Kwan's replacement.

After her withdrawal from the Olympic team, Kwan turned down an offer to stay in Turin as a figure skating commentator for NBC Sports.[53] During an interview with Bob Costas and Scott Hamilton, Kwan said she was not retiring yet.

Kwan underwent elective arthroscopic surgery in August 2006 to repair a torn labrum in her right hip, an old injury which she traces back to 2002.[16] According to Kwan, the surgery allowed her to skate pain-free for the first time in four years.[54]

After 2006 edit

Kwan did not compete during the 2006–2007 figure skating season.[55]

Kwan told the Associated Press in October 2007 that she would decide in 2009 if she planned to compete in the 2010 Winter Olympics,[54] but she ultimately decided not to do so, focusing instead on graduate school.[56] She has said "Representing the United States as an American Public Diplomacy Envoy the past three years has been very rewarding, and I want to do more." After graduating from the University of Denver in 2009, Kwan said "Furthering my education will bring me closer to that goal, and I don't want to wait any longer to continue the journey."[56]

On February 17, 2010, Kwan told ABC News in an interview that she was continuing her studies as a graduate student at the Tufts University Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, as well as continuing her work as a Public Diplomacy Envoy. Kwan also said she would be commentating for Good Morning America at the 2010 Winter Olympics.[57]

In August 2009, Kwan made her first on-ice appearance in several years, performing at Ice All Stars, a show headlined by South Korean world champion Yuna Kim in Seoul, South Korea. Kim considered Kwan her idol growing up.[58] Kwan also later appeared in Kim's All That Skate shows in South Korea and Los Angeles.[59]

She was chosen as the guest of honor to help open a new synthetic skating rink at the Marina Bay Sands resort in Singapore in December 2010, where she performed a modified routine to "Winter Song", a program she self-choreographed with her sister.[60] She returned to Singapore a month later as a Public Diplomacy Envoy[61] to meet local students and to promote ice skating in the tropical country.[62]

As of 2008, Kwan is a member of the Chinese-American organization Committee of 100.[63] In 2014, Kwan joined Fox Sports 1 for its Winter Olympics broadcast.[64]

Skating technique edit

Kwan was known for her unrivaled consistency in delivering clean programs,[65] as well as her strong skating skills and deep, quiet edges that have been described as "silent blades"[66] that "barely whispered".[67] She was also known for her musicality and ability to combine grace and artistry with athleticism.

Although not of the greatest height nor explosive spring, Kwan, for most of her career, included all of the triples (except for the Axel) in her programs, including two lutzes (the most difficult jump after the Axel). She landed the triple toe-triple toe combination cleanly eleven times in competition, including at her 2000 and 2001 world championship victories.[68][69] During the 2004–2005 season, she debuted a triple flip-double toe-double loop combination.[70]

Beginning in the 1996–1997 season, Kwan debuted a change of edge spiral that soon became her signature move.[71] Kwan's spiral was famed by commentators not only for its great extension and line, but also its speed, the strength and security of the edge, the deep lean and the easy smoothness of the change of edge.[72][73] In the 1998–1999 season, Kwan revived a variation of the Charlotte spiral, a move innovated by German skater Charlotte Oelschlägel which had not been performed in decades.[74]

Kwan's split falling leaf was praised by fellow skaters Dick Button and Peggy Fleming during competitions, for its effortlessness and perfect split position in the air. Kwan has done multiple split falling leaves in immediate succession (without any turns or steps in between) while maintaining a split position on both.[75]

Another of her trademark moves is a Y-spin done consecutively on both feet. Kwan is also one of the few skaters who can spin in both directions.[76]

Awards and accolades edit

Kwan is a recipient of the prestigious James E. Sullivan Award (2001), which is given to America's best amateur athlete; she was the first figure skater to win the award since Dick Button in 1949. In 2003, she was named the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) "Sportswoman of the Year", and is the 5th figure skater in history to receive this honor. She has also been named USOC "Athlete of the Month" fourteen times, which is more than any other athlete, male or female, as well as being named "Female Figure Skating Athlete of the Year" by the USOC multiple times. She is also the recipient of the USOC's "Citizenship Through Sports Alliance Award" (2004).[2]

Kwan is one of only two multiple winners of the "Readers' Choice Figure Skater of the Year" award given by Skating magazine, winning it an unprecedented seven times (1994, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2001–2003). In 2003, the United States Figure Skating Association, which publishes Skating, announced that the award would be renamed the "Michelle Kwan Trophy". The USFSA stated that although Kwan may continue to skate competitively, she would no longer be eligible for the award. The only other skater to win the award multiple times, Johnny Weir, only won it twice in comparison.[2][77]

  • In 1999, Kwan was given the Historymakers Award by the Los Angeles Chinese American Museum.[78]
  • In May 2000, Kwan was selected as one of People magazine's 50 most beautiful people.[2][79]
  • In 2002, Kwan won the Teen Choice Award for favorite female athlete.[2]
  • In 2002, Kwan was chosen as Cosmogirl of the year.[2]
  • In 2002 and 2003, Kwan won the Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Award for favorite female athlete.[2]
  • In 2005, Kwan traveled to Beijing to accept an award for being the "female athlete kids in China most admire" at the inaugural CCTV-Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Honors.[80]
  • In 2007, the Women's Sports Foundation honored Kwan with the Billie Jean Award for her contribution to women's sports.[81]
  • In May 2009, Kwan was honored by the Los Angeles Chinese Historical Society of Southern California in "Celebrating Chinese Americans in Sports".[82]
  • In 2010, Kwan received an honorary doctorate's degree from Southern Vermont College and delivered the commencement speech for that year's graduation.[83]
  • In 2012, Kwan was the sole inductee for the United States Figure Skating Hall of Fame.[21] She was also the sole inductee for the 2012 World Figure Skating Hall of Fame.[84]
  • In 2014, Kwan was honored by Harlem Skating for her career.[85]
  • In 2017, Kwan was inducted into the California sports Hall of Fame.

Public life edit

Diplomatic positions edit

 
Kwan in Singapore, January 2011

On November 9, 2006, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice named Michelle Kwan as a public diplomacy ambassador. In this non-salaried position, Kwan represented American values, especially to young people and sports enthusiasts, and traveled widely.[86] Kwan made her first overseas trip in the capacity of public diplomacy ambassador with a visit to China from January 17–25, 2007.[87]

Her diplomatic position as an envoy continued in the Barack Obama administration where she worked with Vice President Joe Biden[88] and then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.[89]

Following her first trip to China as a public diplomacy envoy, Kwan continued her role in subsequent trips to Russia in June 2007,[90] Argentina in March 2008,[91] Ukraine in February 2009,[92] South Korea in January 2010,[93] and Singapore in January 2011.[61][94]

On April 15, 2011, it was announced that Kwan would serve as an adviser to the U.S.-China Women's Leadership Exchange and Dialogue (Women-LEAD).[95] In December 2012, Kwan was appointed as a State Department senior adviser for public diplomacy and public affairs.[96]

In June 2015, Kwan announced that she would support Hillary Clinton's campaign efforts by working on outreach efforts from Clinton's headquarters in Brooklyn.[97]

United States ambassador to Belize edit

 
Kwan with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in 2022

On December 15, 2021, President Joe Biden announced that he intended to nominate Kwan to be United States ambassador to Belize.[98] She was formally nominated on January 7, 2022.[99] Hearings on her nomination were held before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on May 18, 2022. Her nomination was reported favorably by the committee on June 9, 2022.[99] She was confirmed by the Senate with a voice vote on September 29, 2022.[100] She received her appointment on October 7[101] and was sworn in on October 10, 2022.[102] She presented her credentials to Governor-General of Belize Dame Froyla Tzalam on December 5, 2022.[103]

Filmography edit

Kwan has guest-starred as herself in "Homer and Ned's Hail Mary Pass", an episode of The Simpsons, and in the Family Guy episode "A Hero Sits Next Door". She has also made guest star appearances in Arthur (In the Season 6 episode "The Good Sport"), Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, and various other television series. She provided the voice of a shopkeeper in Disney's direct-to-DVD sequel Mulan II, Kwan also did the voice of a fictionalized version of herself called Michelle Kwanzleberry in the series finale of Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! in 2010, and she and fellow figure skater Brian Boitano appeared as announcers in the film Ice Princess.

In 1998, Kwan struck a deal with Walt Disney Television that led to her starring in 3 prime-time skating specials on ABC: "Reflections on Ice" in 1998 (an ice skating adaptation of the Disney film Mulan, based on the Chinese legend), "Michelle Kwan skates to Disney's Greatest Hits" in 1999, and "Princess on Ice" in 2001, the last special featuring performances by pop bands O-Town and Shedaisy.[104] She also appeared in various other televised skating specials throughout her career.

In 1999, she appeared in the Michelle Kwan Figure Skating computer game, released by Electronic Arts.[105]

Other activities edit

 
Kwan at the Special Olympics Massachusetts, September 25, 2010

Scholastic published an autobiography by Kwan in 1998, titled Heart of a Champion, which is now in its sixth printing.[2]

In 1999, Kwan signed with Disney Publishing Worldwide for an 8-book deal which included an inspirational book for children titled, The Winning Attitude: What it Takes to be a Champion, as well as a series of fictional skating books inspired by Kwan and written by Nola Thacker called "Michelle Kwan presents Skating Dreams".[106]

In 2005, Kwan's family opened the EastWest Ice Palace in Artesia, California. The ice rink houses many of her skating medals and memorabilia.[107]

In January 2009, Kwan was appointed a member of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports by George W. Bush, a role which she had continued into the Obama administration.[108]

Kwan has been a longtime supporter of the Special Olympics, taking part in "unified sports" events, which bring together athletes with intellectual disabilities and without. In 2011, she was added to the board of directors for the Special Olympics.[109]

Endorsements edit

Kwan has had many endorsement contracts throughout her career, including Aim Funds,[110] Campbell's,[111] Caress soap (Unilever),[112] Chevrolet,[113] Coca-Cola,[114] Disney,[9] East West Bank,[115] Got milk?,[116] Kraft,[117] Mattel,[118] Maxxis,[119] McDonald's,[120] Minute Maid,[114] Riedell Skates,[121] Royal Caribbean International,[122] Starbucks,[119] United Airlines,[110] Visa,[114] and Yoplait.[7]

Kwan's multi-year deal with Chevrolet (starting in 2000) was estimated to be worth over $1 million.[113] The Chevrolet/Michelle Kwan R.E.W.A.R.D.S. Scholarship program was established by the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors in cooperation with Kwan.[123]

In 2002, Kwan was named a "celebrity representative" and spokeswoman for The Walt Disney Company in a three-year deal reported to be worth $1 million a year.[9] This deal was renewed and expanded in 2006.[124]

Personal life edit

In September 2012, Kwan announced her engagement to Clay Pell, an American lawyer, military officer and former director for strategic planning on the National Security staff at the White House. In February 2014, he declared his candidacy for Governor of Rhode Island.[125] He was unsuccessful in his bid. Pell is the grandson of the late Rhode Island Senator Claiborne Pell. The couple, who met in April 2011,[126] were married on January 19, 2013, in Providence, Rhode Island. Vera Wang designed Kwan's wedding gown.[127][128]

After four years of marriage, Pell filed for divorce from Kwan in March 2017 in California.[129] Kwan learned of Pell's filing without warning via a tweet that was soon followed by an online article in the New York Daily News. A day later, Kwan filed for divorce from Pell in Rhode Island citing irreconcilable differences;[130] Kwan attempted to serve Pell directly ten times in March and April 2017 but was unsuccessful. She eventually had to post the documents on the front door.[131]

The couple have no children together but did acquire multiple assets during the union. Complicating matters was that Pell filed in California, a community property state, but Rhode Island, where the couple was married and Kwan filed her petition, is not.[131]

On January 5, 2022, Kwan announced the birth of her first child, a daughter.[132]

Political views and activism edit

Kwan worked as a surrogate to Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign as an outreach coordinator.[133] When asked why she decided to join the campaign she explained, "There was no way that I could sit on the sidelines."[134]

She added that, for her, supporting Clinton was a no-brainer, given her family's own immigrant history. "Every day I'm reminded about my personal story, about what's at stake in these elections. I think of my parents, and as I look around the room, we probably share similar stories, of how our parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents might have immigrated to the U.S. It's so the next generation of Americans have the ability to dream that dream."[134]

In May 2021, it was announced that Kwan would executive produce "Recipe for Change" for YouTube alongside LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Dennis Cheng, Jamal Henderson and Philip Byron. The special, set to air June 16, 2021 and produced by the SpringHill Company, brings together Asian American celebrities, chefs, activists, and creators to celebrate Asian and Pacific Islanders culture[135] and discuss the recent and historic acts of hate and violence against the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders community.[136] "Recipe for Change" was nominated for "Outstanding Daytime Special" at the 49th Daytime Creative Arts & Lifestyle Emmy Awards.[137]

Programs edit

Michelle Kwan career programs.

Season Short program Free skating Exhibition
2005–2006
[13]
2004–2005
[138]

2003–2004
[139]

2002–2003
[140]

2001–2002
[141][142]


2000–2001
[143]


1999–2000

1998–1999

1997–1998
1996–1997
1995–1996

choreo. by Lori Nichol

1994–1995

choreo. by Lori Nichol


  • East of Eden
    by Lee Holdridge
1993–1994

choreo. by Lori Nichol

1992–1993
1991–1992

Competitive highlights edit

Major events for Olympic-eligible skaters include the World Figure Skating Championships, the Olympic Winter Games, the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating, and for American skaters, the U.S. Championships. Kwan's record in these events is listed by season in the tables below. Competitive outings.

International[13][138][139][140][141][143]
Event 91–92 92–93 93–94 94–95 95–96 96–97 97–98 98–99 99–00 00–01 01–02 02–03 03–04 04–05
Olympics 2nd 3rd
Worlds 8th 4th 1st 2nd 1st 2nd 1st 1st 2nd 1st 3rd 4th
GP Final 1st 2nd 2nd 2nd 2nd
GP Nations Cup 1st
GP Skate America 7th 2nd 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st
GP Skate Canada 1st 1st 1st 2nd 3rd
GP France 3rd 1st
Goodwill Games 2nd 1st 2nd
International: Junior
Junior Worlds 1st
Gardena 1st Jr.
National
U.S. Champ. 9th J 6th 2nd 2nd 1st 2nd 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st
GP = Became part of Champions Series in 1995–1996, Grand Prix from 1998 to 1999
J. = Junior level, WD = Withdrew, Alt = Alternate (did not compete)

See also edit

Notes and references edit

  1. ^ See Kestnbaum, pp. 48–53, for her "deep reading" of Kwan's Salome program.

References edit

  1. ^ 關穎珊夫妻關係如雙人滑 幽默牧師逗翻全場(圖) (in Chinese). Sina Corp. January 20, 2013. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Athlete bio at usfigureskating.org Archived April 24, 2005, at the Wayback Machine, accessed September 8, 2006.
  3. ^ Sappenfield, Mark (February 27, 2006). "For Americans, lots of medals but a 'faceless' Olympics". The Christian Science Monitor. Archived from the original on January 20, 2018. Retrieved September 6, 2006.
    - "Video Spotlight – Michelle Kwan". Asian Media Watch. Archived from the original on August 24, 2006. Retrieved September 6, 2006.
    - "People in the News Spotlight – Michelle Kwan". CNN. Archived from the original on September 20, 2016. Retrieved October 8, 2006.
  4. ^ "Harris Interactive – America's favorite Athlete" (PDF). Harris Interactive. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 17, 2011. Retrieved July 14, 2010.
    - "Women's Sports – 80 million Adults follow" (PDF). Harris Interactive. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 24, 2015. Retrieved January 16, 2014.
    - "Michael Jordan still tops the list as Nation's favorite sports star" (PDF). Harris Interactive. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 24, 2015. Retrieved January 16, 2014.
  5. ^ Stephie Lu was her teacher. Will O.C.'s Ashley Wagner be skating's next rock star? Archived March 8, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, accessed May 21, 2014.
    - How Tonya, Nancy helped their sport Archived April 4, 2023, at the Wayback Machine, accessed May 20, 2014.
    - Vargas, Jose Antonio (February 13, 2006). "The Michelle Kwan Myth, Worth its Weight in Gold". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on February 21, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2017.
  6. ^ Hersh, Philip (October 28, 2011). "Lysacek, U.S. Skating both losing in dispute between them". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on January 18, 2014. Retrieved January 16, 2014.
  7. ^ a b Weaver, Jane (February 25, 2002). "Who will win endorsement gold?". NBC News. Archived from the original on February 22, 2020. Retrieved April 16, 2020.
  8. ^ Going for Endorsement Gold Archived April 4, 2023, at the Wayback Machine, Forbes, accessed May 19, 2014.
    - Kwan Detractors need to Grow Up Archived March 8, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, Los Angeles Times, accessed May 19, 2014.
  9. ^ a b c "Good as Gold", Los Angeles Times, accessed May 19, 2014.
  10. ^ "Skating Paying off for Kwan Family – Chicago Tribune". articles.chicagotribune.com. Archived from the original on June 30, 2016. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  11. ^ "CNN Programs – People in the News". CNN. Archived from the original on September 20, 2016. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  12. ^ Hersh, Philip (June 3, 2011). "Ms. Kwan Goes to Washington". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on August 7, 2019. Retrieved August 7, 2019.
  13. ^ a b c d e f "Michelle KWAN: 2005/2006". International Skating Union. Archived from the original on June 13, 2006.
  14. ^ Kwan, Michelle (1999). The Winning Attitude: What It Takes to Be A Champion. Hyperion Press. ISBN 0786805463.
  15. ^ Christine Brennan, Inside Edge, ISBN 0-684-80167-1
  16. ^ a b "LA Kwan expands outlook as part of her healing process". Los Angeles Times. December 24, 2006. Archived from the original on January 17, 2024. Retrieved April 16, 2020.
  17. ^ a b c "Figure skater Michelle Kwan adds DU diploma to list of accomplishments". University of Denver Magazine - Archive. June 6, 2009. Archived from the original on November 5, 2023. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
  18. ^ "Michelle Kwan graduating from University of Denver". San Francisco Gate. June 6, 2009. Archived from the original on June 18, 2009. Retrieved June 6, 2009.
  19. ^ "Home". Archived from the original on June 7, 2009.
  20. ^ "Ms. Kwan goes to Washington, master's degree in hand". Chicago Tribune. June 3, 2011. Archived from the original on September 29, 2020. Retrieved November 6, 2011.
  21. ^ a b Elliott, Helene (December 23, 2011). "Michelle Kwan has found there is life after figure skating". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on December 24, 2011. Retrieved December 23, 2011.
  22. ^ "Skating Champion Michelle Kwan to be Speaker at Commencement". Southern Vermont College. April 9, 2010. Archived from the original on May 5, 2012.
    - "Kwan addresses grads at Southern Vermont College". Icenetwork. May 13, 2010. Archived from the original on May 14, 2012. Retrieved June 17, 2012.
  23. ^ a b c Kestnbaum 2003, p. 48.
  24. ^ a b c d Kestnbaum 2003, p. 49.
  25. ^ a b c d Kestnbaum 2003, p. 52.
  26. ^ a b Kestnbaum 2003, p. 53.
  27. ^ a b c Kestnbaum, p. 155
  28. ^ See The tragedy of turning 20 Archived September 13, 2001, at the Wayback Machine by Christine Brennan, July 12, 1999, USA Today accessed October 9, 2006.
  29. ^ Kestnbaum. p. 156
  30. ^ Longman, Jere (March 23, 1997). "Lipinski, 14, Is Youngest World Champion". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 25, 2023. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
  31. ^ a b c Kestnbaum, p. 158
  32. ^ a b Kestnbaum, p. 163
  33. ^ Kestnbaum, p. 160
  34. ^ 1998 Nationals: Lipinski Fall, Kwan wins with 6.0s Archived April 20, 2003, at the Wayback Machine CBS Sportsline
  35. ^ Judges in Tears Archived February 23, 2002, at the Wayback Machine USA Today, 1998 accessed October 13, 2006
  36. ^ a b Kestnbaum, p. 162
  37. ^ Kwan vows to fight until 2002 Archived April 21, 2003, at the Wayback Machine CBS Sportline, Feb 1998 accessed October 13, 2006
  38. ^ Kestnbaum, p. 161
  39. ^ Favored Kwan stuck in fourth place[usurped] Slam Figure Skating, March 1999 accessed October 13, 2006.
  40. ^ Butyrskaya wins; Russians Sweep[usurped] Slam Figure Skating, March 1999 accessed October 13, 2006.
  41. ^ Longman, Jere (February 14, 2000). "FIGURE SKATING; Kwan Wins, but Challengers Are Rising Fast to Meet Her". The New York Times. Archived from the original on March 16, 2017. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  42. ^ Written at Cleveland, Ohio. "The next generation chasing Kwan". ESPN. Bristol, Connecticut. Associated Press. February 14, 2000. Archived from the original on June 2, 2021. Retrieved June 1, 2021.
  43. ^ No. 2 With a Bullet Archived December 1, 2007, at the Wayback Machine Sports Illustrated, February 2000 accessed October 13, 2006
    - Kwan wins Fourth Title Archived November 5, 2012, at the Wayback Machine ESPN, February 2000 accessed October 13, 2006.
  44. ^ Scandal dampens World Figure Skating Championships Archived June 22, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, USA Today, accessed October 9, 2006.
  45. ^ Michelle Kwan wears Vera wedding dress Archived May 20, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, accessed May 20, 2014.
    - Figure skating costume facts Archived May 22, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, accessed May 20, 2014.
  46. ^ Drumbeats start for Kwan in 2002 Archived May 11, 2008, at the Wayback Machine Christine Brennan, USA Today, March 2001 accessed October 13, 2006.
  47. ^ Kwan dismisses longtime coach Archived December 22, 2009, at the Wayback Machine SFGate.com – October 2001 accessed October 14, 2006.
  48. ^ Kwan recaptures season and the national crown Archived October 4, 2002, at the Wayback Machine USA Today – January 2002 accessed October 14, 2006.
  49. ^ See Hughes Edges Slutskaya, Kwan for Gold Archived October 30, 2006, at the Wayback Machine Hughes Edges Kwan and Slutskaya to win gold, CNN Sports Illustrated, February 21, 2002 accessed October 9, 2006.
  50. ^ Clarey, Christopher (March 27, 2004). "FIGURE SKATING; Kwan's Short Program Not Short Enough; Cohen Is Leader". The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 1, 2013. Retrieved May 12, 2010.
  51. ^ a b "Sullivan Award Part V of V: The 2000s". Archived from the original on September 28, 2007. Retrieved July 23, 2007. Retrieved July 23, 2007
  52. ^ Injured Kwan withdraws from Olympics, Associated Press, February 13, 2006, accessed October 8, 2006.
  53. ^ David Bauder,Kwan says thanks, but no, to NBC's offer Archived August 2, 2017, at the Wayback Machine, Associated Press (February 13, 2007).
  54. ^ a b "People in Sports: Michelle Kwan". The Seattle Times. Associated Press. October 16, 2007. Archived from the original on November 18, 2007. Retrieved November 4, 2007.
  55. ^ Michelle Kwan To Skip 2006–07 Competitive Season Archived October 6, 2015, at the Wayback Machine, United States Figure Skating Association, September 6, 2006, accessed September 6, 2006.
  56. ^ a b Elliott, Helene (August 1, 2009). "Michelle Kwan won't compete in Vancouver". Los Angeles Times.[dead link]
  57. ^ "Michelle Kwan Off the Ice". ABC News. February 17, 2010. Archived from the original on February 19, 2010. Retrieved February 17, 2010. (video)
  58. ^ "Kwan Returning To Ice For August Show". USA Today. Associated Press. July 3, 2009. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
  59. ^ "Yu-na, Kwan to do another show in July". The Korea Times. June 4, 2010. Archived from the original on October 27, 2012. Retrieved June 5, 2010.
  60. ^ Soh, MaryAnn (December 17, 2010). "Meeting Michelle Kwan for the first time". AsiaOne. Singapore. Archived from the original on October 29, 2017. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  61. ^ a b "Public Diplomacy Envoy Michelle Kwan Travels to Singapore January 9–15, Will Meet with Youth and Government Officials". Office of Electronic Information, Bureau of Public Affairs, U.S. State Department. January 6, 2011. Archived from the original on August 4, 2020. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  62. ^ Nayak, Shivali (January 12, 2011). "Michelle Kwan inspires poly students". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on June 28, 2011. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  63. ^ "Committee of 100". Archived from the original on January 16, 2014. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
  64. ^ Wilner, Barry (August 5, 2013). "Michelle Kwan To Cover Winter Olympics Sochi For Fox Sports". HuffPost. Archived from the original on February 19, 2014. Retrieved February 2, 2014.
  65. ^ U.S. women's skating lacks big star, consistency Archived January 3, 2018, at the Wayback Machine, accessed May 20, 2014.
    - Dornbush interview Archived August 12, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, Dornbush mentions Kwan's longevity and consistency with the statement about her "10th skate of a lifetime", accessed May 20, 2014.
  66. ^ Michelle Kwan set to be inducted into hall of fame Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, Articles.philly.com, accessed May 20, 2014.
  67. ^ Perfect redemption Kwan wins; silver goes to Lipinski Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, Articles.philly.com, accessed May 20, 2014.
  68. ^ "SKATING – Kwan wins title at World Championships". Espn.com. Archived from the original on January 6, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  69. ^ "Kwan's Triples Lead to 4th World Crown – Chicago Tribune". articles.chicagotribune.com. Archived from the original on May 21, 2014. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  70. ^ 2005 World Championships ISU results Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, Isureresults.com, accessed May 20, 2014.
  71. ^ Spirals and Ice: Kwan still captivates and enchants Archived January 17, 2024, at the Wayback Machine, Nytimes.com, accessed May 20, 2014.
  72. ^ "Private Kwan, Public Lipinski Skate 1–2 – Page 2 – Chicago Tribune". articles.chicagotribune.com. Archived from the original on May 21, 2014. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  73. ^ "News: Figure Skating 101 – Dec. 21". Archived from the original on May 21, 2014. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  74. ^ Kelli Lawrence (2011). Skating on Air: The Broadcast History of an Olympic Marquee Sport. Mcfarland. p. 9. ISBN 9780786485444. Archived from the original on January 17, 2024. Retrieved May 20, 2014.
  75. ^ Skating coverage lacks technical merit Archived May 21, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, accessed May 21, 2014.
  76. ^ Breaking ice, accessed May 22, 2014.
  77. ^ Johnny Weir wins Skating Magazine Reader's Choice Skater of the Year Award Archived December 9, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, accessed May 19, 2014.
  78. ^ CAM Annual Historymakers Awards Banquet Archived December 30, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  79. ^ "Michelle Kwan: Ice Skater". People. Archived from the original on August 7, 2019. Retrieved August 7, 2019.
  80. ^ CCTV Nickelodeon Archived June 21, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, accessed May 19, 2014.
  81. ^ Billie Jean Awards Archived May 20, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, accessed May 19, 2014.
  82. ^ "CHSSC News and Notes April 2009". Archived from the original on March 12, 2011.
  83. ^ "Part 1: Michelle Kwan's Commencement Speech at SVC". Archived from the original on December 11, 2021 – via www.youtube.com.
  84. ^ "Michelle Kwan elected to World Figure Skating Hall of Fame" (PDF). March 14, 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 15, 2013. Retrieved March 14, 2014.
  85. ^ Harlem Skating Archived May 20, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, accessed May 19, 2014.
  86. ^ "Michelle Kwan named U.S. public policy ambassador". USA Today. November 2006. Archived from the original on June 15, 2009. Retrieved September 5, 2017.
  87. ^ Michelle Kwan makes a near flawless transition from skating to diplomacy Archived January 10, 2018, at the Wayback Machine, Napa Valley Register, accessed May 19, 2014.
  88. ^ "It figures for Kim, Lysacek to take golden parachute". Chicago Tribune. September 8, 2010. Archived from the original on February 22, 2018. Retrieved September 10, 2009.
  89. ^ "Home". Archived from the original on June 12, 2009.
  90. ^ Russia trip Archived May 21, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, accessed May 20, 2014.
  91. ^ Argentina trip Archived May 21, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, accessed May 20, 2014.
  92. ^ Ukraine trip Archived August 4, 2020, at the Wayback Machine , accessed May 20, 2014.
  93. ^ South Korea trip Archived May 21, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, accessed May 20, 2014.
  94. ^ "Michelle Kwan Tries Out 'Wobble Board'". Archived from the original on June 28, 2011.
  95. ^ "Initial Public-Private Partnerships Forged Under U.S.-China Women-LEAD Initiative". U.S. Department of State. April 15, 2011. Archived from the original on August 4, 2020. Retrieved April 22, 2011.
  96. ^ "Michelle Kwan, bureaucrat: Skating champ now has State Department job". Washington Post. December 5, 2012. Archived from the original on October 17, 2017. Retrieved September 5, 2017.
  97. ^ Hamilton, Meredith. "Michelle Kwan: Hillary Clinton's Newest Political Ally", The Christian Science Monitor, June 5, 2015. Web. November 18, 2015.
  98. ^ "President Biden Announces Key Diplomatic and Agency Nominees". December 15, 2021. Archived from the original on December 18, 2022. Retrieved December 15, 2021.
  99. ^ a b Presidential nomination no. 1662 Archived January 10, 2022, at the Wayback Machine, Michelle Kwan, of California, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Belize., 117th Congress, January 7, 2022. Accessed January 10, 2022.
  100. ^ LeBlanc, Paul (September 30, 2022). "Senate confirms Michelle Kwan as US ambassador to Belize". CNN. Archived from the original on September 30, 2022. Retrieved September 30, 2022.
  101. ^ "Appointments | 2022". State Magazine. U.S. Department of State. December 2022. Archived from the original on December 4, 2022. Retrieved December 4, 2022. Michelle Kwan, of California, was appointed to serve as the new U.S. Ambassador to Belize, Oct. 7.
  102. ^ "Ambassadorial Assignments Overseas" (PDF). U.S. Department of State Office of Presidential Appointments. October 31, 2022. p. 3. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 5, 2022. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  103. ^ U.S. Embassy Belize [@USMissionBelize] (December 5, 2022). "U.S. Ambassador Michelle Kwan today presented her Letters of Credence to Governor General of Belize HE Dame Froyla Tzalam and reaffirmed U.S. commitment to strengthening the 41-year U.S.-Belize alliance to foster a secure, democratic, and prosperous Belizean society. 🇺🇸🇧🇿" (Tweet). Retrieved December 5, 2022 – via Twitter.
  104. ^ Reflections on Ice TV special Archived May 22, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
    - Disney's Greatest Hits TV special Archived May 22, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
    - Princess on Ice TV special Archived May 20, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
  105. ^ EA signs Michelle Kwan Archived April 4, 2023, at the Wayback Machine, Gamespot, accessed May 19, 2014.
  106. ^ World Champion Figure Skater Michelle Kwan to author books with Buena Vista Publishing Archived May 20, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, accessed May 19, 2014.
  107. ^ "City of California, EastWest Ice Palace". Archived from the original on May 21, 2007.
  108. ^ "Michelle Kwan to be appointed to President's Council on Physical Fitness". The Honolulu Advertiser. Associated Press. January 7, 2009. Retrieved January 13, 2009.[permanent dead link]
    - "Bush Makes More Last-Minute Appointments". The Washington Post. January 7, 2009. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved January 13, 2009.
    - "Kwan appointed to President's Council on Physical Fitness". United States Olympic Committee. January 7, 2009. Archived from the original on April 17, 2009. Retrieved January 13, 2009.
  109. ^ "Archived copy". www.specialolympics.org. Archived from the original on November 27, 2011. Retrieved May 22, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  110. ^ a b Kwan seeks fourth world crown-CBC Archived May 21, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, mentions endorsements for Aim funds, Chevrolet, Disney, Yoplait, Caress, Campbell's, United Airlines, accessed May 19, 2014.
  111. ^ "Kwan back on top with national title" Archived May 21, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, Chicago Tribune, accessed May 20, 2014.
  112. ^ "Kwan signs TV deal with Disney" Archived February 11, 2017, at the Wayback Machine,New York Times, accessed May 20, 2014.
  113. ^ a b Kwan still a good skate with advertisers, despite odd year Archived May 21, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, Sportsbusinessdaily.com, accessed May 19, 2014.
  114. ^ a b c "Even with no Gold Medal, Michelle Kwan is golden to advertisers" Archived June 29, 2012, at the Wayback Machine New York Times, accessed May 19, 2014.
  115. ^ "Michelle Kwan – New East West Spokesperson" Archived May 20, 2014, at the Wayback Machine accessed May 20, 2014.
  116. ^ "Got milk?" Archived May 20, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, accessed May 19, 2014.
  117. ^ "Kwan to be featured in Kraft Foods Commercial" Archived May 21, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, accessed May 19, 2014.
  118. ^ "Mattel Star Skater Barbie" Archived May 21, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, accessed May 19, 2014.
  119. ^ a b "Goodbye Girl" Archived May 20, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, Chicago Tribune, accessed May 19, 2014
  120. ^ "Kwan still could take gold with sponsors" Archived May 21, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, USA Today, accessed May 20, 2014.
  121. ^ "Riedell endorsement" Archived May 21, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, Ad Week, accessed May 19, 2014.
  122. ^ Royal Caribbean International Archived May 20, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, accessed May 19, 2014.
  123. ^ Michelle Kwan's REWARDS scholarship program Archived January 14, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, accessed July 14, 2006.
  124. ^ Figure Skating Champion Michelle Kwan To Serve As Celebrity Representative and Spokesperson for Disney Archived February 19, 2006, at the Wayback Machine, February 16, 2006, accessed September 6, 2006
  125. ^ Sullivan, Sean. "Michelle Kwan's husband Clay Pell running for governor of Rhode Island". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on January 31, 2014. Retrieved February 23, 2014.
  126. ^ "Michelle Kwan Is Engaged". People. September 11, 2011. Archived from the original on May 8, 2016. Retrieved September 11, 2011.
  127. ^ Arditi, Lynn (January 19, 2013). "Olympian Michelle Kwan marries Clay Pell". Providence Journal. Archived from the original on January 21, 2013. Retrieved January 19, 2013.
  128. ^ Wang, Cynthia (January 19, 2013). "Michelle Kwan Marries Clay Pell". People magazine. Archived from the original on September 23, 2016. Retrieved January 19, 2013.
  129. ^ "Clay Pell files for divorce from Michelle Kwan". Providence Journal. March 29, 2017. Archived from the original on September 24, 2018. Retrieved March 29, 2017.
  130. ^ Mulvaney, Katie (May 9, 2017). "Olympic skater Michelle Kwan files papers to divorce Clay Pell in R.I." Providence Journal. Archived from the original on March 17, 2018. Retrieved May 11, 2017.
  131. ^ a b West, Abby (May 11, 2017). "Michelle Kwan Is Headed for a Messy Divorce". Yahoo! News. Archived from the original on May 12, 2017. Retrieved May 11, 2017.
  132. ^ Kwan, Michelle [@michellewkwan] (January 5, 2022). "I'm overjoyed and tears of happiness are streaming down my face as I share the news of the arrival of Kalista Belle Kwan!". Retrieved January 5, 2022 – via Instagram.
  133. ^ "Hillary for America-Organization and Staff of Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign". www.p2016.org. Archived from the original on September 6, 2016. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  134. ^ a b Cogan, Marin (August 28, 2016). "Michelle Kwan Is Working for Hillary Clinton". Nymag.com. Archived from the original on July 7, 2022. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  135. ^ Cabajar, Llana (July 7, 2021). "Recipe for Change opens the dialogue for Asian and Pacific Islanders (API) culture and discrimination". Village Pipol.com. Pasig City, Philippines: Red Entertainment, Inc. Archived from the original on January 6, 2022. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
  136. ^ "Will Smith & Alicia Keys Docuseries Lead Latest YouTube Originals Lineup". Archived from the original on June 2, 2021. Retrieved June 2, 2021.
  137. ^ "49th Daytime Emmys Nominees – Program Non-Drama". Archived from the original on September 29, 2022. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
  138. ^ a b "Michelle KWAN: 2004/2005". International Skating Union. Archived from the original on March 30, 2005.
  139. ^ a b "Michelle KWAN: 2003/2004". International Skating Union. Archived from the original on June 3, 2004.
  140. ^ a b "Michelle KWAN: 2002/2003". International Skating Union. Archived from the original on June 8, 2003.
  141. ^ a b "Michelle KWAN: 2001/2002". International Skating Union. Archived from the original on June 2, 2002.
  142. ^ "Michelle KWAN: 2001/2002". International Skating Union. Archived from the original on December 18, 2001.
  143. ^ a b "Michelle KWAN: 2000/2001". International Skating Union. Archived from the original on April 19, 2001.

Works cited edit

  • Kestnbaum, Ellyn (2003). Culture on Ice: Figure Skating and Cultural Meaning. Middletown, Connecticut: Wesleyan University Press. ISBN 0-8195-6641-1.

External links edit