Biography: Michelle Kwan

Personal Data

Birthdate: 7/7/80
Ht./Wt.: 5’2¼”, 106 lbs.
Education:Currently attending Univ. of Denver 
Birthplace: Torrance, CA
Family Information:Youngest of three children
Home Town:     Los Angeles, CA
born to Estella and Danny Kwan; brother Ron, 30 and sister Karen, 28.
Home Club: Los Angeles FSC 

The most decorated figure skater in U.S. history, Michelle Kwan’s skating brilliance and accomplishments have earned her a place among the all-time greats of the sport. In her career she has won an unprecedented 43 championships, including five World Championships (1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003), eight consecutive and nine overall U.S. National Championships, (1996, 1998-2005) and two Olympic medals (silver-1998, bronze-2002). In the nearly 100-year history of ladies figure skating, Michelle’s five World titles and nine overall world medals (five gold, three silver, 1 bronze) in nine consecutive years (1996-2004) are all marks that have been bettered only by the immortal Sonja Henie (10 titles/11 medals/11 consecutive years) who competed in the earliest years of figure skating (1926-36). Michelle is the only woman in figure skating history to reclaim the World title three times (1998, 2000, 2003). In the annals of American figure skating, Michelle’s accomplishments are equally extraordinary.  She holds or shares nearly a dozen U.S. records. Her nine career U.S. titles ties her with the legendary Maribel Vinson (who competed in the 1920’s-30’s) for the most in U.S. history. Michelle’s streak of eight consecutive National titles (1998-2005) and 12 consecutive National medals (1994-2005) are both U.S. records, as is her mark of 12 career National medals (9 gold, 3 silver). Her artistry and grace are also without equal. In her career she has received 57 perfect 6.0 marks in Olympic-style competitions, the most of any skater in history. She was awarded at least one 6.0 in five consecutive U.S. National Championships (2001-2005), a U.S. record. Michelle’s program at the 1996 Worlds, skated to the music of Salome, earned her two 6.0s and is considered one of the most spectacular in World Championships history. Her winning long and short performances at the 1998 U.S. Nationals, where she received 15 perfect 6.0 marks (out of a possible 18) for artistry over the course of the event is the most by any skater in the history of U.S. figure skating and has been called “the gold standard for future generations of figure skaters”. Her six 6.0’s at the 2004 World Championships (giving her a career total 12 at Worlds) were the most of any woman in the competition and, with the advent of the new scoring system in 2004-2005, became the last  6.0s ever awarded a skater at an international competition.  Likewise, with the change in the U.S. scoring system in 2005-2006, the four perfect scores awarded in her free skate at the 2005 U.S. Nationals (giving her a career total of 42 at Nationals) will be the last 6.0s ever given to a skater at a major U.S. competition.

AWARDS & HONORS:  Michelle’s skating accomplishments have earned her numerous awards and honors, including: 2003 U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) SportsWoman 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; a 2002 CosmoGirl! of the Year for her accomplishments and inspiration to others; six-time Female Athlete of the Year in figure skating by the U.S. Olympic Committee (1996, 1998-2001, 2003); and a record 14 USOC Athlete of the Month awards.  In 2003 Michelle earned her seventh U.S. Figure Skating Skater of the Year award (1994, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2001-2003), the only multiple winner of the prestigious award. In an unprecedented move U.S. Figure Skating, in 2003, renamed the award in her honor. It is now called the Michelle Kwan Trophy.

PERSONAL NOTES:  Began skating at age 5 after watching her older brother play hockey.  Won her first competition at age 7. Has enjoyed great success in the entertainment world. Her primetime TV special “Reflections On Ice: Michelle Skates to the Music of Disney’s Mulan”, was selected as the Best-Produced Skating Special 1998-99.  Michelle’s autobiography, Michelle Kwan: Heart of a Champion (Scholastic, Inc.) was published in 1997 and is now in its sixth printing.  Also authored 2 books for Hyperion (The Winning Attitude! and My Special Moments) and collaborated on the 6-book fiction series Michelle Kwan presents Skating Dreams. Stars in her own interactive video game, Michelle Kwan Figure Skating (Electronic Arts). Serves as a national spokesperson for the Children’s Miracle Network “Champions Across America” Program. Selected one of People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People in the World” for 2000.  Helped create the Chevrolet/Michelle Kwan R.E.W.A.R.D.S. Scholarship Program, which awarded scholarships to outstanding college-bound female student/athletes. Older sister Karen was a top skater, finishing fifth at the 1996 U.S. National Championships.  Karen is married to Peter Oppegard, a 3-time U.S. Champion in pairs.  The couple have two children, Olivia (3/2/04) and Sophia (11/30/05).  Michelle is currently a full-time student at the University of Denver where she is majoring in political science with a minor in international studies.  On November 9, 2006  U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice appointed Michelle as the first American Public Diplomacy Envoy.  In this capacity Michelle will travel abroad and meet with young people to speak about leadership and to engage them in a dialogue on social and educational issues. Michelle’s skating philosophy:  “Work hard, be yourself and have fun!”