February 23, 2006 

Artesia News

Supporting Kwan's Decision


With a steady flow of tears trickling onto Olympic ice, Michelle Kwan broke the sad news that she will not be able to compete in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin because of a previous groin injury.

Michelle Kwan’s decision to back out of the Olympics because of an injury pales in comparison to her devotion to the sport and the willingness to compete on behalf of the United States.

In fact, it was right here in Artesia at the EastWest Ice Palace where Kwan passed the test to compete in the Olympics in front of a panel of five judges from the U.S. Olympic Committee Jan. 28. “It’s the opinion of this monitoring team that Michelle could win the Olympics,” said Bob Horen, the head of U.S. Figure Skating’s international committee shortly after Kwan’s session.

By saying this, Horen was acknowledging that Kwan is a class act, a professional with the qualities inherent in Olympic gold.

However, the body that won her a bronze and a silver Olympic medal, five world championships, and nine national championships, had other things in mind. On her first practice in Turin, the injury acted up again, and Kwan, 25, made what must’ve been the toughest decision of her life.

Also a testament to her selflessness, Kwan’s decision to back out shows a maturity and wisdom that should be commended by all Americans. Not wanting to hurt the U.S. figure team’s chances of winning the gold, Kwan sacrificed her own glory for that of the team, an honorable act that is by itself worthy of praise.

“I’ve learned it’s not about the gold, it’s about the spirit of it and about the sport itself,” said Kwan to reporters in Turin. “I have no regrets. I tried my hardest … and if I don’t win the gold, it’s OK. I’ve had a great career. I’ve been very lucky. This is a sport, and it’s beautiful.”

Kwan put her country and the sport before herself; despite her injuries. It is one of the most unselfish of acts and is a true statement to her courage and integrity. The City of Artesia welcomes her home safe and sound.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you, Michelle, for choosing to represent our nation; thank you again for the wisdom to make the right choice.


 

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