7/6/2020 https://teacherworksheets.edhelper.com/cgi-bin/vspec.cgi?FORMMODE=RC30_536_1&QUICK=1 Michelle Kwan By Phyllis Naegeli 1 Michelle Kwan was born in Torrance, California, on July 7, 1980. She loved to watch her brother play hockey. Her older sister, Karen, was also a skater. Inspired by her older siblings, at the age of five, Michelle began to skate. Once on the ice, her talent became obvious. At age 6, she entered her first skating competition -- and won! 2 In 1991, her parents moved to Lake Arrowhead, California, to work with Frank Carroll, who would be Michelle's coach for many years. When she was 12, Michelle took a test to become qualified as a senior level skater - against her coach's wishes. With this qualification, she began to enter senior level competitions. Her first title championship, the World Junior Title, became hers in 1994. Later that year she finished second at the U.S. Championships, eighth at the World Championships, and went to the 1994 Olympic Games as an alternate. 3 Her career continued to blossom. She won the 1996 U.S. and World Championships. Then, she met Tara Lipinski in competition. The younger skater upstaged Michelle in 1997, taking both titles away from her. Undaunted, Michelle worked harder and returned to recapture these titles in 1998. Next, her dream was a gold medal in the Olympics. However, this was not to be. Again, Tara out- skated her and won the gold. Michelle had to settle for the silver. 4 For the next four years, Michelle set her sights on the Nagano Olympic Games. During this time, she won the U.S. Championship in 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002. She also won the World Championships in 2000 and 2001. It seemed the time for Michelle to win Olympic gold. She was favored to win the gold. But, it did not happen. Again, a younger skater, Sarah Hughes, upstaged her. This time, Michelle had to settle for a bronze medal. 5 There had been rumors for years that Michelle would turn professional. In 2003, Michelle squelched the rumors and won both the World Championship and the U.S. Championship. Later that year, she hired Rafael Arutunian to coach her. With his help, she worked to increase the technical difficulty of her routines. This helped her to capture the U.S. Championship again in 2004 and 2005, marking an incredible achievement. She has eight consecutive U.S. Championships and a total of nine to her credit. 6 Off the ice, numerous organizations have honored Michelle for her sportsmanship, artistic contributions to skating, and her dedication to training. She is the second figure skater to receive the James E. Sullivan award, an honor given to the top amateur athlete each year. Skating magazine awarded Michelle the "Readers' Choice Figure Skater of the Year" honor seven times. The U.S. Figure Skating Association (USFSA) announced that this award was being renamed the "Michelle Kwan Trophy" to honor Michelle's achievements in the sport of figure skating. Because of this, she is no longer eligible to receive the award. However, she has one that is much better. According to the USFSA, "She has proven she is the fans' all-time favorite." 7 Michelle was a champion on and off the ice. She was the spokesperson for the Children's Miracle Network, a charity dedicated to helping children's hospitals around the country. She got involved after accumulating piles of stuffed animals from her fans. After donating them to Children's Hospital in Los Angeles, she decided to get involved. She has participated in fundraising activities for other charities, such as Snuggle Celebrity Soft-T's Auction, Here's My Heart, and Hope for the Holidays. She serves on the board of directors of the Special Olympics. 8 Michelle was a world famous figure skater. She was known for her grace and poise. On the ice, her smile radiated for the audience. Even after a fall, Michelle would rise and continue, smiling through the rest of her program. https://teacherworksheets.edhelper.com/cgi-bin/vspec.cgi?FORMMODE=RC30_536_1&QUICK=1 1/4 7/6/2020 https://teacherworksheets.edhelper.com/cgi-bin/vspec.cgi?FORMMODE=RC30_536_1&QUICK=1 9 She has won fifty-seven perfect 6.0 marks. Her achievements include five World Championships, nine U.S. Championships, and two Olympic medals. What led to these amazing accomplishments? Could it be the good luck charm (a gold dragon necklace) given to her by her grandmother that she wore at every competition? Or was it her dedication to a sport that she loved? Maybe it was her motto, "Work hard, have fun, and be yourself." Whatever the reason for her success, Michelle Kwan has earned her place in figure skating history and the hearts of her fans. Even after her retirement from the sport, she is still an inspiration to many. Copyright © 2020 edHelper https://teacherworksheets.edhelper.com/cgi-bin/vspec.cgi?FORMMODE=RC30_536_1&QUICK=1 2/4 7/6/2020 https://teacherworksheets.edhelper.com/cgi-bin/vspec.cgi?FORMMODE=RC30_536_1&QUICK=1 Name _____________________________ Date ___________________ Michelle Kwan 1. Where was Michelle Kwan born? 2. Who inspired Michelle to start skating? San Diego, California Her coach Los Angeles, California Her older siblings Torrance, California Her mom Lake Arrowhead, California Her dad 3. When she was 12, her coach, Frank Carroll, 4. What skills did Rafael Arutunian help Michelle encouraged her to become qualified as a increase? senior level skater. Technical difficulty False Choreography True Dance All of the above 5. What did Michelle wear for a good luck 6. How many Olympic gold medals does charm? Michelle Kwan have? Five Two Three None 7. Michelle Kwan has a total of ___________ consecutive U.S. Championships. Nine Eight Five Two https://teacherworksheets.edhelper.com/cgi-bin/vspec.cgi?FORMMODE=RC30_536_1&QUICK=1 3/4 7/6/2020 https://teacherworksheets.edhelper.com/cgi-bin/vspec.cgi?FORMMODE=RC30_536_1&QUICK=1 Michelle Kwan - Answer Key Answers: 1 Torrance, California 2 Her older siblings 3 False 4 Technical difficulty 5 a gold dragon necklace 6 None 7 Eight https://teacherworksheets.edhelper.com/cgi-bin/vspec.cgi?FORMMODE=RC30_536_1&QUICK=1 4/4.