Many people assume figure skating queen Michelle Kwan will hang up her skates permanently. She, however, told the press she's not sure yet. Do you think she should?
No one can argue Michelle Kwan's historic contributions to the sport of figure skating.
As much as we all love her athletic ability, beauty and grace, many people believe Michelle unfairly earned a spot on the 2006 Olympic team, that the IOC needed her presence at the Olympic figure skating competition in order to pull up sagging television ratings.
Recently, Michelle was asked if she would ever consider making a come-back attempt at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Her ambiguous answer left enthusiasts feeling a respectful sadness. It was an emotion that one of the most respected ladies in the sport, one of the most accomplished athletes ever, had a dream unrealized -- the one that got away.
We hurt for her at the thought of four more years of training wearing down her already battered body. We wonder, as much as we would stand and applause both of them, why she and Sasha Cohen can't leave well enough alone.
Many of us feel that these two ladies are better off in the pro ranks, where nerves and physically destructive jumps are all but eliminated. Kurt Browning, Brian Boitano, Kristie Yamaguchi, Surya Bonaly and even Tara "LaPipsqueak" found their very lucrative niches in Champions or Stars On Ice performances. There's no shame in moving on; in fact, there's a lot more money and opportunity to reach larger audiences for figure skaters to join a professional skating show. There's also a great need for world-class coaches and choreographers too.
Timothy Goebel just realized he wants to go to school. Elvis Stoijko has become a national medalist in Karate. A host of other skaters, singles, pairs, and ice dancers, now coach international amateur skaters. Ice dance greats like Alexander (Sasha) Zhulin and Evgeny Platov were at Worlds with their skaters this year. Many people are anxious to see what Michelle Kwan will contribute to the sport in the next chapter of her incredible figure skating career. If her recent T.V. spots and contract renewal with Disney are any indication of successes to come, we would continue seeing much of Michelle off ice.
Still, some figure skating fans would hold on to hope for their favorite eligible skaters, hope that some day all their dreams will come true. If these elite skaters can dare to hold on to "the impossible dream," after-all, then so can the rest of us, right?
Should Michelle continue to seek out an Olympic Gold? Would it be unrealistic, or could it be the come-back of the millennium? If she does regain and keep top form and remain healthy for the next four years, would her international seat take the spotlight off an up-and-coming skater who deserves it more? On that same note, are there other skaters you think should consider moving on to facets of the sport and life? Are there any you wish would have stuck around in the amateur ranks a little longer?
Chime in on our discussion, and let us know what you think.
