Embassy Information

Embassy Event

MICHELLE KWAN TALKS ABOUT SKATING AND LEADERSHIP WITH ARGENTINE YOUTH
March 17, 2008

Michelle Kwan with young argentine skaters.

Michelle Kwan, the most successful figure skater in U.S. history, winner of five world championships, nine national championships and two Olympic medals, is in Argentina to give lectures on “Youth Leadership” in Buenos Aires, Parana, and Santa Fe. On March 17, Michelle visited CENARD (Centro Nacional de Alto Rendimiento Deportivo) to meet with members of the Special Olympics team. She also gave a clinic to young Argentine skaters from the National Argentine Figure Skating Federation. Following the clinic, she gave a talk on leadership and the ingredients for success to both the young skaters and a group of kids from a low income community. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice named Michelle as the first American Public Diplomacy Envoy on November 9, 2007.

Background: Michelle Kwan is the most decorated figure skater in U.S. history.  Her skating accomplishments have earned her a place among the all-time greats of the sport.  For over a decade (1995-2005) she dominated the sport like no other skater in history, winning an unprecedented 43 championships, including five World Championships, eight consecutive, nine overall U.S. National Championships, and two Olympic medals.  In the nearly 100-year history of figure skating, no American man or woman has won more world titles, national titles or Olympic medals. 

Michelle has earned numerous awards and honors, including: 2003 U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) Sports Woman of the Year; 2001 Sullivan Award as the top amateur athlete in America; 1998 Sportswoman of the Year by the Women’s Sports Foundation; 2002 and 2003 Kids’ Choice Award and the 2002 Teen Choice Award as America’s favorite female athlete; and a 2002 Cosmo Girl! of the Year for her accomplishments and inspiration to others.  In 2000 Michelle was selected one of People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People in the World.”   In 2003 Michelle earned her seventh U.S. Figure Skating Skater of the Year award, the only multiple winner of the prestigious award.  In an unprecedented move, U.S. Figure Skating renamed the award in her honor.  It is now called the Michelle Kwan Trophy.  Ms. Kwan began skating at the age of 5; by the age of 7, she had won her first figure skating competition. She is the author of two books about her experiences, The Winning Attitude! and My Special Moments. Michelle, 26, is currently a full-time student at the University of Denver where she is majoring in political science with a minor in international studies.

Michelle’s philosophy, in skating and in life:  “Work hard, be yourself and have fun!”