Michelle Kwan a famous figure skater never clinched Olympic gold despite her impressive career winning multiple national and world titles.
She faced setbacks at the Olympics but bounced back with other victories.
Post-skating Kwan transitioned to academics and diplomacy earning a graduate degree and serving as a public diplomacy ambassador and adviser.
She married Claiborne Pell IV linking her to a notable political family.
Kwan’s journey from sports to international relations showcases her adaptability and success across different fields.
Here are some of the best quotes by Michelle Kwan.
Best Michelle Kwan Quotes
Whatever you’re fighting for, you go with full passion and love. ~ Michelle Kwan.
I actually prefer soothing music – and maybe that’s the skater in me. ~ Michelle Kwan.
As an athlete, I’ve always been very proud to represent the United States. ~ Michelle Kwan.
Skating is in my heart, not my head. ~ Michelle Kwan.
Work hard, be yourself, and have fun! ~ Michelle Kwan.
I didn’t lose the gold. I won the silver. ~ Michelle Kwan.
In figure skating, you have four minutes to do your best. It’s your time; you do your best. ~ Michelle Kwan.
I’m very confident in how my body is reacting. ~ Michelle Kwan.
I would encourage people to participate in sports. You don’t have to dream of being an Olympic or a professional athlete. ~ Michelle Kwan.
Top Michelle Kwan Quotes
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.
I want to see how far I can train. I have to see how far my body will go. ~ Michelle Kwan.
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. ~ Michelle Kwan.
I’m thinking gold is good. I’m staying positive, feeling good. I’m injury free. So right now, its just going for it. ~ Michelle Kwan.
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. ~ Michelle Kwan.
As I’ve gotten older and grown more independent, I think for myself, and that’s how it should be. ~ Michelle Kwan.
It’s incredible. Nine? Wow. I just remember winning my first one, getting the medal and the plate, the pin with the diamond for first place. My ninth title, I have no answer for that because I never thought it would be possible. ~ Michelle Kwan.
I needed to turn off the negative voice in my head – I was psyching myself out. ~ Michelle Kwan.
Famous Michelle Kwan Quotes
I always thought after 2002 that I’d hang up my skates and turn professional and just go on tour and do shows. But I don’t know when it is enough. I mean, I still enjoy it. I’m the luckiest girl alive that I get to perform in front of thousands of people, do what I love doing. ~ Michelle Kwan.
Skating has given me so much that it’s priceless. ~ Michelle Kwan.
I had dreamed of being at the Olympics since I was 7 years old. ~ Michelle Kwan.
When I look back at the world championships, I know there’s a lot of room for improvement, I’m always up for a challenge. The Olympics, they don’t define me, I’ve had some good and some bad. But it’s all about the Olympic experience. ~ Michelle Kwan.
What I love the most is getting on the ice and just popping in a fabulous CD and skating – all by myself, the rink completely empty, just me and the music. ~ Michelle Kwan.
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. ~ Michelle Kwan.
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. ~ Michelle Kwan.
You can always say, ‘I wish I had landed that triple flip better, or I wish I didn’t fall.’ They’re not regrets, just mistakes. ~ Michelle Kwan.
Dropping out is not something that I want to do, but I have to listen to how my body feels. Physically, if I’m not able to skate, I will give my spot up. ~ Michelle Kwan.
Popular Michelle Kwan Quotes
If you have nothing in life but a good friend, you’re rich. ~ Michelle Kwan.
Literally falling on the ice and having to pick yourself up in front of thousands of people is not an easy thing to do. The thing that you learn is to pick yourself back up, to learn from your mistakes. ~ Michelle Kwan.
We will write down her levels and do a comparison (with other skaters) to determine if she is ready to compete. ~ Michelle Kwan.
Don’t focus on the negative things that can happen, just think about the positive things. ~ Michelle Kwan.
When I was younger, I always dreamed of being a legend, to be remembered in figure skating. ~ Michelle Kwan.
To represent your country is an honor and a great experience. ~ Michelle Kwan.
And what is a gold medal? I’d never really thought about it before Nagano. Now I realize that it’s a dream to strive for. I love my silver medal, because it stands for all my dreams and all I’m still capable of fulfilling. ~ Michelle Kwan.
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. ~ Michelle Kwan.
Winning is not about how many medals you get-it’s about accomplishing goals and just being the best you can be! ~ Michelle Kwan.
I was so worried about winning, it was as if I was caught up in my own web. ~ Michelle Kwan.
Great Michelle Kwan Quotes
I skated like it’s a sport, went for everything 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. ~ Michelle Kwan.
I’ve learned that it’s not about the gold. It’s about the spirit of it and about the sport itself. I have no regrets. I tried my hardest and if I don’t win the gold, that’s OK. I’ve had a great career. This is a sport. It’s beautiful. ~ Michelle Kwan.
I have to lot to work on, a lot of improvement to make, focus on the details. And I’ve got to take advantage of the seconds and the minutes before the Olympics. ~ Michelle Kwan.
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. ~ Michelle Kwan.
I don’t know secret to success, but I’m pretty sure the closest thing is preparation. ~ Michelle Kwan.
There’s a lot of emotions that always come out after a skate of a lifetime. I always start crying because there is so much buildup to that competition. ~ Michelle Kwan.
So these were the 43 top Michelle Kwan quotes and sayings.
If you like these quotes and sayings, then you can also read my other posts on Thomas Boston quotes and Josh McDowell quotes.
Short Biography of Michelle Kwan
Michelle Kwan born in Torrance California emerged as a figure skating icon with over 40 wins including nine U.S. titles.
She started skating at five and quickly rose to prominence.
Despite Olympic setbacks she secured medals in 1998 and 2002 and five world championships.
| Full Name | Michelle Kwan |
| Born | July 7, 1980 (age 43) Torrance, California, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft 2 in (157 cm) |
| Spouse | Clay Pell (m. 2013; div. 2017) |
| Children | 1 |
| Residence(s) | California, U.S. |
| Country | United States |
| Skating club | Los Angeles FSC |
| Retired | 2006 |
| Parents | Danny Kwan, Estella Kwan |
| Medals | Figure Skating at the 2002 Winter Olympics – Women’s Singles, MORE |
Transitioning from sports Kwan focused on academics and diplomacy earning a master’s in international relations and serving as a U.S. ambassador to Belize.
She also supported Special Olympics and was active in political campaigns showcasing her diverse talents beyond the rink.
Quick Facts about Michelle Kwan
- Michelle Kwan started figure skating at age 5.
- She’s the most decorated U.S. figure skater with 43 championship wins.
- Kwan competed in the Olympics twice, earning silver and bronze medals.
- She’s a five-time World Figure Skating Champion.
- Kwan’s known for her charity work, including roles with the Special Olympics.
- She earned a degree from the University of Denver.
- After retiring, Kwan became a figure skating analyst for NBC.
- She’s in the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame.
- Kwan speaks both English and Cantonese.
- People Magazine named her one of the “50 Most Beautiful People” in 2000.
Top Questions about Michelle Kwan
A: No, Michelle Kwan never won an Olympic gold medal.
A: In 1997, Michelle Kwan finished second at the World Championships, behind Tara Lipinski.
A: Michelle Kwan is famous for being one of the most decorated figure skaters, winning over 40 championships, including nine U.S. titles.
A: Yes, Michelle Kwan got married, walking down the aisle in an ivory Vera Wang gown.
A: Michelle Kwan won five world championships and nine U.S. championships.
A: Michelle Kwan won two Olympic medals (silver and bronze) during her career.
A: Michelle Kwan once said, “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.”
A: Michelle Kwan retired from figure skating in 2006.
A: Michelle Kwan is currently the U.S. ambassador to Belize, being the first Asian American to hold this position in the country.
