I had dreamed of being at the Olympics since I was 7 years old.
Skating has given me so much that it’s priceless.
Don’t focus on the negative things that can happen, just think about the positive things.
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.
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.