TomCworld Blog

Michelle Kwan with her pure passion to achieve her dreams has become more universally admired by Americans than any other female athlete. With a desire to succeed on the ice but more impotently as a remodel to today’s youths she has risen to unbelievable heights and has captured the hearts of all of us.

Although Kwan has yet to bring home the gold for the US she remains a marketers field day for success. The image she portrays and carries with her has had companies throwing endorsement deals left and right to gain association. Coke ranks her third in the world among most wanted woman athletes by associations. And even with heavy restriction enforced by the Olympic committee on Kwan and other participants’ business ventures, as an amateurs she still brings in a steady seven figure income by leasing the use of her name.

But more important then money to Kwan is chaing here dream and bring home the gold. With the 2006 winter games quickly approaching this may be her final shoot to get that gold medal that has eluded here so many times. To make things worse she has sustained an injury to her right groin muscle which forced her to withdrawn from Nationals. Which leaves her with the only option of submit a formal petition to the U.S. Figure Skating International Committee for one of three ladies spots on the 2006 U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team.

Michelle said the following in the press release about withdrawing from the event:

“I am deeply disappointed that I will not be at nationals. It’s always been my favorite event, especially in an Olympic year, and I was really looking forward to competing. I had been skating very well before the injury, and both my doctor and I feel that I can get back to that level and be completely ready for the Olympics. For that reason I am petitioning for a spot on the team. “

An article I found in the February 2006 issue of Glamour magazine that really sums up how Michelle can be a real inspiration…

“Former Olympian and figure skating commmetator Peggy Fleming has seen Kwan win countless competitions, but one medal ceremony stands out in her mind: As Kwan took her victory lap, she spotted a girl by the rinks edge who appeared to have just finished chemotheraphy. “Michelle took one look, stopped, and gave the girl a hug, ” says Fleming. “With all the chaos of what was happening in the big arena, she noticed this girl. She always thinks of others and never takes anything for granted.” Along with artistry and athletecism, Kwan brings the same warmth and soul to every performance, and this combination has made her the winningest figure skater in U.S. history. Keanu Reeves once famously told her, “The world needs more grace and beauty like you.” But don’t let all that grace and beauty fool you; as friend and costume designer Vera Wang once said, “She’s not afraid to be a warrior.”

Want to send Michelle Kwan a get well message!

Michelle Kwan
c/o Proper Marketing Associates
39555 Orchard Hill Place, Ste., 150
Novi, Michigan 48375

OR

Michelle Kwan
c/o Ice Castle
P.O. Box 939, 480 Cottage Grove Road
Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352

OR

Michelle Kwan
c/o USFSA
20 First St. Colorado Springs, CO 80906