Transcript of Michelle's teleconference Jan. 14, 2006
Michelle Kwan
Jan. 14, 2006
How confident are you that you will be 100 percent by the Jan. 27
monitoring session, and can you tell us exactly what kinds of jumps you
are doing right now?
“I started skating on Saturday, all of the spins and steps and just a
few jumps. But, I feel my body, I know my body and I listen to my body
every day. And, I feel that I can start jumping any day now. I kind of
need to not jump the gun because I have to listen to the doctor’s
orders and take it easy and just pace myself so I can peak at the right
moment.”
Just to clarify – you have not started jumping?
“I started jumping on Friday. I worked on the triple toe and some
doubles and I had no problem.”
Could you describe what your understanding of the five person committee
that will see you skate?
“We haven’t decided exactly what I will be doing. As much as I can
show for them. Show them also that the elements – check my levels,
footwork, and the spins knowing that for certain that they are a high
component or high levels. The details – I really don’t know.”
In the past you have been able to whip yourself into shape fairly
quickly – you are doing it now at age 25. Do you think there is any
way you may be overestimating your ability to do it this quickly?
“No, you know, my body is pretty amazing. Everybody’s bodies are
amazing if you have the mind for it. It was a really difficult past
couple of months, and it is frustrating. I know that I will be better,
and I know that I can be fit form for the Olympics. I am very confident
in how my body will react.”
Is it a surprise to you that you might have to do the short and long
program at the monitoring?
“It is not a surprise to me at all. I know some of the things that
happen at this monitoring. Also, I have to say that I am my biggest
critic. If I can’t feel if I’ll be ready I will pull myself off of
the team, and I said that before, and I am sticking to it. If I don’t
believe that I can be at 100 percent and at my best I won’t say that
it is good for me to go.”
How do you feel right now?
“Really good, really good. It (the injury) has been improving a lot
and I feel that I might have to avoid a jump or two, but (there is)
nothing right now that (is) stopping me right now.”
Who called you with the announcement that you had made it, and what was your reaction?
“I watched it on TV – ESPN News. I didn’t know what to think of
it. All of this time I said to myself whatever the answer is – I just
want to get better, keep on doing what I can on the ice and nurse my
injury. But, when I heard the news of course I am thrilled. But, I also
know what Emily (Hughes) is going through, because I can relate. I was
in her shoes in 1994 with Nancy (Kerrigan).”
Just to clarify – if you can’t do a couple of jumps – right now or
through the whole process?
“The double Axel is one of the jumps that pulls in and causes the most
pain. So, that would be something I can pop in at any time. It is not
something I am worried about.”
On controversy swirling around the selection of the Olympic team:
“I know that it has caused a lot of attention in the media, but it is
a decision that is not up to me. With all my heart, I wish I was in St.
Louis competing. I have been to 13 nationals and I haven’t missed one.
So, it is really disappointing to sit home and watch. I have gone
through a lot of emotions. I have a great support system around me. I
have been getting text messages from competitors at nationals and it has
been keeping my spirits high. It is a positive vibe.”
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= Here's a group hug for Michelle!
Originally Posted by JBlanch
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