Considered one of the greatest figure skaters of all time, Michelle Kwan, is in fact the most decorated figure skater in U.S. history. She displays an unprecedented amount of trophies and medals with her 42 Championships, which include five World Championship titles, nine United States Figure Skating Championships, and two Olympic medals. Kwan currently holds the U.S. records for her eight consecutive U.S. Championship titles and twelve consecutive U.S. Championship medals, and is the only woman in the history of figure skating to reclaim the World title three times.
Michelle Kwan was born in Torrance, California in July of 1980. Her parents, Danny and Estella Kwan, were Chinese immigrants from Hong Kong. Her dreams of being the best figure skater in the world began at the age of five. Kwan had two older siblings who were her inspiration. Her brother Ron played ice hockey and sister Karen was a figure skater. Michelle Kwan began serious training when she was about eight years old. She and her sister Karen woke up every morning at 3am to practice skating before school and were back at the rink right after school, practicing three to four hours a day. Kwan's family, particulary her parents, made several sacrifices to support their daughters' dreams and exceptional talent on the ice. Kwan's father picked up extra hours at work and their mother took on a second job in order to pay for the increased skating-rink time and coaching fees. They all believed in Michelle's dream and worked hard along side her to pursue them. 
Needless to say, Michelle BELIEVED in the beauty of her dreams. She worked hard to pursue them and has ACHIEVED incredible success. She's truly a role model and has inspired many young adults to BELIEVE in themselves, too. She's written many books including, "Michelle Kwan: Heart of a Champion" and "The Winning Attitude: What It Takes To Be a Champion." Kwan is also the national spokesperson for Children's Miracle Network "Champions Across America" and in 2006 was named a public diplomacy ambassador by Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. She made her first overseas trip as the public diplomacy ambassador to China in 2007, speaking to young people and sports enthusiasts.
Michelle Kwan says, "....I’m the luckiest girl alive that I get to perform in front of thousands of people, doing what I love doing.” She truly has the "Heart of a Champion", and has in turn become, the Champion of Hearts.
Many Blessings....
Hugo and Roxanne
~ Believe Achieve ~
Michelle Kwan's story is very inspiring. Her believe to Achieve goes beyond her own winnings. In 2006 she withdraw from the Olympic game and ended her quest for the Olympic gold. Because she did what she believed was the best for the team. A selfless and courageous Champion - Michelle Kwan.
ReplyDeleteHi Giovanna!!
ReplyDeleteWe remember that. Yes, she is a true champion, and very much courageous and selfless. We read she plans to compete in the Olympics in 2010!! We're so excited!! Gold medal or not, she'll always remain a champion in our eyes.
Many Blessings....
Hugo and Roxanne
~ Believe Achieve ~
Michelle is certainly an inspiration for everyone. I love that her family was so supportive of her dream. I hope that I can offer that same support to my own children as they begin to realize THEIR dreams. Great post, as always! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Angie!!
ReplyDeleteWe thought the same thing as we wrote Michelle's story, too. As parents, we'd like to encourage our children to pursue their dreams and take actions to lead them there. We were definitely on the same wave length. :-)
Many Blessings....
Hugo and Roxanne
~ Believe Achieve ~
i LOVE michelle kwan she is my insparation
ReplyDelete