THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY of sports can be summed up in one life: Michelle Kwan.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) February 16, 2006 -- Ice sculptress
Michelle Kwan withdraws, short of the gold


THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY of sports can be summed up in one life: Michelle Kwan. The beautiful, gutsy 25-year-old figure skater withdrew Sunday from the Olympics at Turin because of a groin injury--marking the likely end of a career for a young woman whose dreams of Olympic gold proved just out of reach.

Just 13 when she first appeared at the Olympics, skating on the edge of the Nancy Kerrigan-Tonya Harding fiasco as an alternate in 1994, Miss Kwan won a silver medal in 1998 and a bronze in 2002. And though Olympic gold eluded her, she Salchowed her way to nine national titles and five world championships over 12 years. More important, she had character. U.S. Olympic Committee chairman Peter Ueberroth said, "She's been a leader; she's been gracious, she's somebody that cares for so many youngsters that are training in our country."

No doubt, Miss Kwan will continue to influence the skating world. Meanwhile, replacing her at Turin is 17-year-old Emily Hughes, younger sister of Sarah, who won gold in 2002. "It was hard not to jump up and down," she said, obviously elated. She'll have her chance, in Turin.

Date published: 2/15/2006