"Skating takes up 70 percent of my time, school about 25 percent. Having fun and talking to my friends, 5 percent. It's hard. I envy other kids a lot of things, but I get a guilt trip when I'm not training."
—Michelle Kwan
Michelle Kwan is a champion ice skater who has won five World Championships, nine U.S. Championships and two Olympic medals, in addition to countless other skating competitions. While spectators worldwide have seen her glide effortlessly across the ice, long hours of practice and dedication underlie each jump, twirl and spin.
Kwan began ice skating when she was five years old, and her skill quickly became evident. By age eight, she skated several hours a day, every day of the week. Before school, after school and on weekends, she was at the ice rink. The cost of ice time and coaches quickly grew, but her parents, who had immigrated to the U.S. from Taiwan, were committed to her success. Her family sold their home and purchased a much smaller one to free up money to pay for her ice skating.
When Kwan was 13, she performed at her first U.S. National Championships. After a disappointing performance, she vowed to work even harder and improve. She did. The next year, she finished second. From there she went on to win a silver medal at the 1998 Olympics and the first of her World Championships. She followed up with a bronze medal at the 2002 Olympic Games.
Kwan is the most decorated figure skater in American history. She was the sole inductee to the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame and the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame classes of 2012, and in 2014 she was inducted to the Hall of Fame at the U.S. Nationals Competition.
Even after retiring from skating, Kwan has not given up her dedication to learning, service and hard work. She received her college degree in 2009 from the University of Denver and is pursuing graduate studies in international relations at Tufts University. Meanwhile, she has held several diplomatic and ambassador positions representing the United States globally. Ultimately, whether on the ice, in the classroom or representing her nation, Kwan presents one consistent quality—dedication.
This billboard about Dedication features Michelle Kwan.
YOUR COMMENT
Skating is my life
Anonymous, December 19, 2018
Cardi B from the Bronx You know what i loveeeee about this ? that this girl out here pursuring her dreams. get it Michelle Kwan this yo shout out
Cardi B from the Bronx from Cali baby, November 8, 2018
I was really inspired by what that story said and now since that happened to you Michelle Kwan YOU ARE THE PERSON THAT INSPIRED ME TO NEVER GIVE UP .
Ashly from school, May 9, 2017
I have always loved whaching ice skating I plan to do it some day! LOVE YOU KWAN!!
SOMEONE from somewereovertherainbow, March 8, 2017
The theme is never give up on your dreams.
wimolsiri from bkk, September 24, 2016
cool
bob from hgv, September 20, 2016
Dedication is hard,but it pays off.
Sydney from school, October 23, 2015
Cool and inspiing
Ethan from Texas, September 10, 2015
I salute her dedication
rauf raja from pakistan, June 13, 2014
she is an awsome person and i love her im a 13 year old and luv her
cinthya from new jersey, March 3, 2014
I THINK IT IS A GOOD THING AND SHE SHOULD KEEP GOING TO MEET HER GOAL OR DREAM ''NEVER GIVE UP''
SADIE from HOUMA, October 15, 2013
Wow I love gymnastics but ice skating is cool too!
veronica from wisconsin, October 3, 2012
She is a really good figure skater. She made relize that I could figure skate too.
danielle from school, August 8, 2012
Michelle Kwan is my favorite female athlete. I love her story and how much she accomplished at so young.
Sarah G from Albany, New York, February 11, 2012
This story is great and I hope everyone who reads it takes it to heart!
Sydney Boettcher from Two Rivers, February 9, 2011
I THINK IT WAS VERY STRONG OF HER TO KEEP PRACTICING AND NOT TO GIVE UP LIKE OTHER PEOPLE DO WHEN THEY DON'T DO GOOD OR DON'T WIN.
Indya Conover from Two Rivers Magnet Middle School, February 7, 2011
I love this story and it's very interesting. I hope that who ever reads this is very impressed and looks at this as an inspiration.
Sydney 12 from School , February 7, 2011
I'm sorry for my rude comment. me and my friend were messing around and I don't feel that way about ice skating and this is a great story.
RamseeRene (: from Owosso , February 1, 2011
i love this!!!!!
makayla lane from michigan, January 31, 2011
WELL' I LOVE GYMNASTICS AND COMING FROM A ME, I THINK ICE SKATING IS JUST AS COOL!
KENDRA H from IDUMA , November 10, 2010
Wow, what an amazing story.
cheyanne R. from asheboro, October 4, 2010
Well I think that this was an awesome story. Thanks for sharing.
Ashley H. from TX, March 24, 2010
Wow. Michelle, we have so much in common. I started skating at the age of 5 and have practiced ever since. I'm 13 now. I've learned so much and I think you seem extremely amazing at skating. We should skate some time. I'm just like you, so much in common, and also I have so many things to ask but I'll save those for later. I can do the spin, the twirl and many more just like you oh and my name is Michelle too.
Michelle Skidds from Ogdensburg, NY, December 17, 2009
I think its awesome that she followed through with her dreams and made something of herself. Good job!
Jazzmine N. from Brookings, OR, May 19, 2009
Michelle is someone who put a lot of effort in want she wanted. she is very hardworking, and she keeps on going when she is down. With the help of her parents, who wanted what is best for their child, she made it to the top.
Enny W., May 12, 2009
Thanks so much for the inspiration, FBL and Michelle! To everyone that is reading this page right now, take this huge splurge of energy and just go ahead and do whatever you think will make our world a better place. YES, YOU CAN DO ANYTHING!!! "Tomorrow" begins today!
Elizabeth W. from Massachusetts, USA, October 23, 2008
Wow good dedication article!
Anonymous, November 28, 2007
This is a nice page. The young ones are so caught up with entertainment tabloids that they fail to value what really matters most. Keep this up!! You have my support!!
Maria C. from Philippines, September 22, 2007
i love this billboard. its so inspiring!! keep up the good work!
Lauren T. from New York, USA, September 19, 2007
These are awesome. You send positive messages without getting caught up in any political agenda. Thanks.
Mark S from Reading, PA, June 18, 2007
Winning to yourself
Taizo K from Japan, April 15, 2007
