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KIDS' QUESTIONS
January 2009
Kids' Questions with Michelle Kwan
Michelle Kwan is the most decorated figure skater in U.S. history. Kwan has won an unprecedented 43 championships, including five World titles, nine U.S. titles and two Olympic medals. In the last few years, she's been in college and has represented her country as the first American public diplomacy envoy, helping promote cross-cultural dialogue with international youth and increase understanding of America by sharing her story and life experiences.
My mom says you are the greatest skater in the world. Will you ever make a DVD of your greatest performances? I would want a copy.
Natalie Bongirno, 7
Columbus, Ohio
Michelle: Thank your mom for her kind words. I never thought about making a DVD of all my performances, mainly because with the advances in technology, almost all of my performances are on YouTube. So, if you want to watch any programs you can probably find them there.
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| Michelle Kwan |
When you skated competitively and trained hard, what kinds of food did you eat? Was there a food that prevented you from getting extremely tired?
Lauren Shay, 13
Ventura, Calif.
Michelle: I used to be a huge junk eater – candy, soda pop, chips, fried foods, ice cream…yummmm. However, as I got older I realized the importance of good nutrition. I try to avoid fried and sugary foods. During the competitive season, I eat lean protein such as chicken, buffalo, fish and seafood. I love salads and veggies so I make sure that I have something green at every meal. I try not to overload on white flour foods, like bread and pasta. Instead, I eat foods that don't make me crash fast and sustain me for a couple of hours. Instead of candy I try to eat nature's candies: raspberries, blueberries, and apples.
I miss you and your skating, and was sorry to see you withdraw from the Olympics. Will you ever return to compete or perform in shows? Your fans are sad because we didn't get a chance to give you a much deserved farewell.
Mae Allan, 12
Cleveland, Ohio
Michelle: I miss you guys, too! I took a long break from skating because I wanted to focus on finishing up college. I do look forward to performing again soon…stay tuned.
What was your hardest U.S. Championship? Also, what competition gave you the most satisfaction?
Kate Manzagol, 15
Clarkston, Mich.
Michelle: The hardest U.S. Championships was in 1998. I was struggling with a stress fracture in my left foot which caused me to be off the ice for a month before the championship. The competitions where I skated my best – whether or not I won – gave me the most satisfaction.
What qualities make a good skater and what did you look for in your coach and support system?
Amber Ruiz, 15
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Michelle: I always feel that the best skaters are the ones who work hard and do not give up after a fall. Successful skaters don't give up – instead, they learn from their mistakes and try harder the next time. Your coach and support system should be people who you trust and believe in; who will be there for you through good times and bad. Your parents, brothers and sisters should be at the top of the list.
What do you think about the international judging system?
Kim Stevens, 15
Baltimore, Md.
Michelle: It's very complicated! Period.
Where can I get the pink bunny slippers you wore in the Kraft commercial?
Kelly Harwood, 13
Missoula, Mont.
Michelle: When you do a commercial there is usually a stylist on the shoot who is responsible for getting all of the clothes you wear. I don't know where those slippers came from, but I loved them because I was able to slide across the floor which was really fun. You might try looking in small boutique stores, or try to find them online.
The skating dresses you wore in competitions were all stunning. Do you have a particular favorite?
Kiara Sonoda, 16
Chicopee, Mass.
Michelle: I love all of my skating dresses. One of my favorites is the purple dress that I wore for the short program at the 2002 Olympics.
As American public diplomacy envoy you have traveled to Argentina, China and Russia. How have these trips worked in promoting cross-cultural dialogue with international youth?
Jordan Rheanne Murphy, 12
Fresno, Calif.
Michelle: Wherever I go as an American public diplomacy envoy I meet with high school and university students. We always have a great dialogue because they are eager to learn more about the United States and I want to learn about them. I encourage these young people to get to know more about all of their global neighbors, not just the United States. I tell them to take the time to learn more about the customs, culture and beliefs of people from a country that is foreign to them. The world is getting smaller and I feel that the more you know about people from another country, the better the relationship between people and countries will be.
What program did you enjoy skating the most?
Marshall Hartman, 9
Vista, Calif.
Michelle: Boy, that's a hard one to answer. I really love skating to programs that allow me to get into character I'd have to say that my Salome free skate in 1996 was my favorite. As soon as I got into the costume and put on the makeup I became Salome, which was really fun.
Did you ever find it hard managing school work, skating and other activities outside of school and skating?
Jennfier Nguyen, 15
Dallas, Texas
Michelle: Life is a juggling act. I've found that the best way to handle all of your activities and responsibilities is to focus on the task at hand. So, if you are studying –study, if you are skating – skate and if you are playing – play!
What attributes do you take from your figure skating career and apply to your American diplomacy envoy position?
Kanishka Jayasuriya, 16
San Jose, Calif.
Michelle: Figure skating has taught me a lot of valuable lessons that I've been able to apply in almost everything I do. I've learned that to succeed takes hard work, sacrifice, the ability to work together as a team and, most importantly: to never give up. These are universal concepts that I believe can help people succeed, not only in skating, but also in life. In my work as an American public diplomacy envoy I share these ideas with the young people I meet.
Would you like to someday get married and have a family?
Jennifer Hilburn
San Francisco, Calif.
Michelle: Yes and yes…someday.
