Quotes from Michelle Kwan

Girls, in particular, benefit from sports.

A few years after I finished skating, someone asked where my medals were. I'm like, 'In a suitcase somewhere.' Now they're nicely displayed in an ice rink, but medals don't really mean that much. It's the experience, the story of the skating, the love.

As a kid, falling was embarrassing. As I got older, I got used to falling and picking myself back up. There's not a sense of failure. It's of disappointment. You train so hard to not make mistakes. When you do, you're learning from that. How do I improve? How do I get better for the next time? Through every failure, there's something to be learned.

I got a call this morning, and it was from Nancy Kerrigan, wishing me luck. She wished me luck and sent me all her good wishes.

Winning is not about how many medals you get-it's about accomplishing goals and just being the best you can be!

I actually prefer soothing music - and maybe that's the skater in me.

Don't focus on the negative things that can happen, just think about the positive things.

At 13, I was fearless. I looked at everything so positive. When you're older and been through it all, you know how bad it can get. There is a fear of failing.

To represent your country is an honor and a great experience.

I didn't lose the gold. I won the silver.

I skated like it's a sport, went for everthing and just gave it my best shot. It turned out freat. I had nothing to lose. You might be the best in your heart, but not in other people's sight.

I would encourage people to participate in sports. You don't have to dream of being an Olympic or a professional athlete.

I don't know secret to success, but I'm pretty sure the closest thing is preparation

When I feel like I'm in a rut, I remember it's the little things in life that are important, like riding a bike with a friend or eating ice cream with my baby niece.

I'm very goal-oriented. I do see myself doing something in public service.

Because I'm pushing my body so hard already, the last thing I want to do is have music that's really too strong, in my head.

The one who wins all the time is great and powerful, but the one who had been trampled on and fallen is who I admire the most

I tell aspiring young skaters to dream big, work hard, have fun, and follow their passion. It's simple to say never give up, but learn from your mistakes to keep growing.

I don't really remember a time younger than 5 years old that I didn't have skates on because all I can remember is every day, tying up my skates and a big smile on my face, excited to go on the ice.

When I look at my own career, growing up, I was doing really well at age 11, but it was kind of isolating because back then, people weren't hanging out with me. My mom was always there. She had my back and was like, 'You keep focused. You gotta keep focused.' And I think those kinds of lessons were hard.

There were days I forgot my school clothes, and I would actually go to school with skating tights and a little skirt. It's very embarrassing... I definitely had to be comfortable in my own skin, and my mom taught me that.

I was so worried about winning, it was as if I was caught up in my own web.

Sports provides that tool kit to be successful in life. Because it's not always going to be smooth sailing.

Sometimes my body is aching, but I always think, 'Why am I in this? Why do I love it so much?' That's what makes me persevere, that's what makes me keep on going.