Kwan, Michelle (1980–)

views updated

Kwan, Michelle (1980–)

American figure skater. Born July 7, 1980, in Torrance, CA; sister of Karen Kwan (b. 1978, figure skater).

Was Jr. World champion (1994); placed 1st at World championships (1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003) and 2nd (1997, 1999, 2002), the 1st to win back-to-back titles since Kristi Yamaguchi and the 1st to win 4 titles since Katarina Witt; placed 1st at US National championships (1996, 1998, 1999–2005) and 2nd (1997); won Skate America (1995, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002), Goodwill Games and World Pros (1998); won a silver medal at Nagano Olympics (1998) and a bronze medal at Salt Lake City Olympics (2002); was a member of Olympic squad at Torino Olympics but had to withdraw because of injuries (2006).