I was afraid of thisYesterday, after a great start, Michelle Kwan's practice session turned into a nightmare. Her groin injury was giving her more difficulty that she expected. What really got my attention was that, in an interview afterward, she actually mentioned the possibility of dropping out of competition.
Today she did, and my heart sank.
I admire her tenacity, but even more than that, I admire her selflessness. She's not even going to stay in Torino, but will head home so as to not be a "distraction." I'm not sure if I would have done the same in her place.
Asked about her frustrated quest for gold, Kwan replied that it's always an honor to represent your country. She said she has learned that it's not about the gold, but about the spirit of the event. She also said she has no regrets, that she tried her hardest, and that if she never wins a gold medal, it's OK.
No one in the sport of figure skating—perhaps no athlete in any sport—has the kind of class, elegance, and overall likeability that Michelle has consistently shown over her career.
Michelle, I salute you. May you have a long and successful career as a professional skater.
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