Former U.S. Ambassadors to Argentina
Ambassador Wayne's Speech
AMBASSADOR’S REMARKS AT MICHELLE KWAN PRESENTATION AT INDEPENDIENTE CLUB
March 18, 2008
Thank you (Governor Scioli and Julio Comparada for all that you have done as President of Club Independiente, to make this such a warm welcome.
You have provided this opportunity for a truly exciting cultural exchange that involves young athletes, educators, sports authorities, and so many other people gathered here today who care about working together to provide positive alternatives for our young people.
This is also a terrific opportunity to help deepen people-to-people ties between the US and Argentina. The personal ties that we establish through events like today’s lay the foundation for strong bilateral ties over the long term.
As US Ambassador, I am so pleased to be able to be here today with Michelle Kwan who is the most decorated figure skater in US history.
Michelle’s activities off the ice have been equally noteworthy. US Secretary of State Rice appointed Michelle as the first US Public Diplomacy Ambassador this past November. In this capacity Michelle has already traveled to Russia and China to meet with young people and speak to them about leadership and engaging in social and educational activities that can transform their lives and the lives of others.
We are very fortunate that Michelle has agreed to do the same here in Argentina. As she is doing today, – Michelle will meet with a wide range of young people from Buenos Aires, Santa Fe and Parana.
Michelle’s personal history is clearly the source of great inspiration to young people all over the world. She has dominated the sport like no other skater in US history – winning an unprecedented 43 championships, including five World Championships, eight consecutive and 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.
In a few moments you are going to see a short video of her skating. After seeing that video, I think you will understand why Michelle’s record of 57 perfect 6.0 marks, the most of any skater in history, is to this day, called “the gold standard for future generations of figure skaters.”
Like many Americans, I will never forget the vision of a very young Michelle Kwan at her first Olympic competition. She demonstrated to the entire world at that very first moment what a young person can achieve with great hard work, and self discipline. She was prepared for that moment. That was a message that inspired us then, and it is a message that will continue to inspire another generation of young people around the globe.
She represents the very best the United States has to offer.
Thank you all for being her to hear her important message.
