Michelle Kwan

Quick Facts

• Born in Torrance, Calif., to Danny and Estella Kwan
• Father was a native of Canton and emigrated from Hong Kong to California in 1971
• Grew up speaking both Cantonese and English at home
• Began skating at the age of 5 after watching her two older siblings play ice hockey and compete in figure skating
• Her nine world championship medals is the most by an American skater in any discipline
• Holds the record for the most consecutive U.S. titles (eight) and most consecutive U.S. Championship medals (12)
• Has received a combined total of 57 perfect marks (6.0s) at major competitions, the singles record under the former 6.0 scoring system
• Currently works in politics and is the current U.S. Ambassador to Belize

Olympic Experience

• 2-time Olympian; 2-time Olympic medalist (1 silver, 1 bronze)
  • Olympic Games Salt Lake City 2002, bronze (Singles - Women)
  • Olympic Games Nagano 1998, silver (Singles - Women)

World Championships Experience

• Most recent: 2005 – 4th (Singles - Women)
• Years of participation: Singles - Women 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
• Medals: 9 (5 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze)
  • Gold – 2003 (Singles - Women); 2001 (Singles - Women); 2000 (Singles - Women); 1998 (Singles - Women); 1996 (Singles - Women)
  • Silver – 2002 (Singles - Women); 1999 (Singles - Women); 1997 (Singles - Women)
  • Bronze – 2004 (Singles - Women)