Michelle Kwan is a class act. As news of her decision to withdraw from Olympic competition became common knowledge, Kwan admitted that it was one of the most difficult decisions she’d ever made. While her recurring groin injury was certainly a major factor, her commitment to the United States fielding the best skating team possible was equally important.
Kwan had until February 19 to make up her mind, but in deciding now, she allowed Emily Hughes to come to Turino, prepare and take part in the Games. Not everyone would have been that generous.
This is Kwan’s fourth visit to the Olympics; and, at age twenty-five, it will surely be her last. Even if she hadn’t withdrawn, the oddsmakers were not betting on her for the gold medal. The sport belongs to lithe, athletic teenage darlings instead of seasoned veterans.
Kwan was such a teenage sensation once. At age thirteen, slight of build and already polishing the gracefulness that was her trademark, she was an alternate on the US Olympic skating team, in case Nancy Kerrigan was unable to skate. However, Michelle never saw competitive ice while Kerrigan went on to win a medal and disappear from figure skating. At age seventeen, Michelle Kwan was given a good chance to win gold, but teenager Tara Lipinksi beat her to it. She had to settle for silver. And go back to practicing. At age twenty-one, oddsmakers were definitely in Kwan’s corner, but Sarah Hughes won the coveted prize. Kwan was third. Many wondered if she’d try again.
In addition to her two Olympic medals, Michelle Kwan has acquired five world records and nine United States records along the way. No doubt she came to Turino to seek the one prize that has eluded her, and nobody is glad she had to withdraw. At the same time, the thought of Michelle Kwan faltering or falling in a competition is painful to imagine. While we may never get to see her skate in the Olympics again, she deserves our admiration for her determination, her dedication, and her demeanor both on and off the ice.
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