Don’t focus on the negative things that can happen, just think about the positive things.
Skating has given me so much that it’s priceless.
Work hard, be yourself, and have fun!
I always thought after 2002 that I’d hang up my skates and turn professional and just go on tour and do shows. But I don’t know when it is enough. I mean, I still enjoy it. I’m the luckiest girl alive that I get to perform in front of thousands of people, do what I love doing.
Sometimes my body is aching, but I always think, ‘Why am I in this? Why do I love it so much?’ That’s what makes me persevere, that’s what makes me keep on going.
I needed to turn off the negative voice in my head – I was psyching myself out.
At 13, I was fearless. I looked at everything so positive. When you’re older and been through it all, you know how bad it can get. There is a fear of failing.
There’s a lot of emotions that always come out after a skate of a lifetime. I always start crying because there is so much buildup to that competition.
What I love the most is getting on the ice and just popping in a fabulous CD and skating – all by myself, the rink completely empty, just me and the music.
I don’t really remember a time younger than 5 years old that I didn’t have skates on because all I can remember is every day, tying up my skates and a big smile on my face, excited to go on the ice.
To represent your country is an honor and a great experience.
As an athlete, I’ve always been very proud to represent the United States.
I actually prefer soothing music – and maybe that’s the skater in me.
Skating is in my heart, not my head.
I had dreamed of being at the Olympics since I was 7 years old.
When I look back at the world championships, I know there’s a lot of room for improvement, I’m always up for a challenge. The Olympics, they don’t define me, I’ve had some good and some bad. But it’s all about the Olympic experience.
And what is a gold medal? I’d never really thought about it before Nagano. Now I realize that it’s a dream to strive for. I love my silver medal, because it stands for all my dreams and all I’m still capable of fulfilling.
When I feel like I’m in a rut, I remember it’s the little things in life that are important, like riding a bike with a friend or eating ice cream with my baby niece.
As I’ve gotten older and grown more independent, I think for myself, and that’s how it should be.
I want to see how far I can train. I have to see how far my body will go.