Michelle Kwan

Do you know who is a spectacular figure skater or who received eight perfect sixes (perfect scores) for free skate at nationals, which is the most for any skater ever? Maybe you know who is a role model to many young skaters. Can you believe that one person did all of these things? Yes, it was Michelle Kwan. Michelle is a professional figure skater known throughout the world.

While other children were riding bikes and watching TV, Michelle was going to skating lessons and twirling in competitions. Her poor Chinese family included her mom, her dad, her older brother Ron, her sister Karen, and Michelle. Michelle and Karen first took ice skating lessons in 1985 on an ice skating rink in California. Her family had difficulty paying for the girls' skating until they earned scholarships at the age of fourteen and twelve. Michelle idolized Brian Boitano as a role model. However, what mainly helped her reach her high goals was knowing that her big sister, Karen, was always there supporting her in every way imaginable.

Even famous people face obstacles every once and awhile. One obstacle Michelle faced was when cameras were following her everywhere after news broke out that she might go to the Olympics. Another obstacle was when she fell on a measly triple toe loop during the Grand Prix Finals and was exasperated at herself. Thirdly, was when she broke her ankle and had to skip a few terribly important competitions to recover. Finally, competing against Tara Lipinski was a gigantic challenge. In conclusion, Michelle’s life has not been an easy life to live.

Kwan has the character traits of a heroine. First of all, she’s determined because when she broke her ankle she wanted to start skating as soon as she could. Next, Michelle is mature because when was only thirteen, she was already the leader of the the U.S figure skaters. Third of all, she is generous because even though she wanted to go to the Olympics and she earned it, she believed Nancy deserved to go. Who wouldn’t want to be friends with Michelle?

Michelle Kwan changed the world. One contribution is that she encouraged many young skaters to become professionals. Also, she set a world record for the most sixes in a world championship ever, which means she is in the Guinness Book of World Records! Yet another contribution she made to the world is that she also set a world record for the most sixes at nationals. Imagine what the world would be like if Michelle had never been born! “Never give up!” is what Kwan teaches people. You don’t have to be a figure skater to look up to Michelle as a role model. Whatever you do from jewelry making to football, never give up! Also, she teaches people to never underestimate themselves and to follow their dreams. Michelle is a heroine for many people and she could be yours, too!