Transcript of Michelle's teleconference Jan. 14, 2006

[AZSkateFan]

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.”

[MKalltheway]

thx jblanch! geez...how can I get MK's cell phone so that I can text her?!?!?

[beegirllw]

Thanks, I dont know how/where you got it but it was great to hear everything from her, not strained thru some reporter with their own agenda.

[AZSkateFan]

I just wanted to let you know that the transcript was sent out to reporters. But because I respect the persons who sent it to me, I don't want to give out their names.

[kittyjake5]

Thanks JBlanch it was good to hear from the Kween.

[MKsmiral]

Thanks for posting the transcript. It's great reading Michelle's comments taken in context for a change. And I just loved the part about some of the competitors sending her text messages during the competition. I can only imagine what it was like for Michelle having to sit this competiton out.

= Here's a group hug for Michelle!

[mzheng]

Thanks, JBlanch for posting this.

[Underdog23]

I have been getting text messages from competitors at nationals and it has been keeping my spirits high.

I wonder who some of these competitors are?

[ElkGroveGroovin]

Thanks Jamie for the transcript! Glad to know that Michelle is in high spirits. The text messaging quote made me smile. She is definitely surrounded by a wonderful support team. I believe!

[holysalchow]

Originally Posted by JBlanch

"I have been getting text messages from competitors at nationals and it has been keeping my spirits high."

That's so sweet of the other competitors! I also wonder who it was. It's great to know that they support her too.

[Dream Again]

Just guessing but my bets on the text messengers would be Peter Oppegard, Tim Goebel, Angela Nikodinov, Naomi Nari Nam, Brian Boitano, Kristi Yamaguchi, Dorothy Hamill, and Paul Wylie, all of whom were in attendance and all of whom have showed great respect towards Michelle in the past.

[AZSkateFan]

I believe Michelle is close with those skaters who coach at her rink as well. Amir Ganaba, who competes in senior pairs, works in the rink as does Themi Leftheris.

Also, Michelle is probably very close to all of the skaters who are on Champions on Ice. And Nicholas LaRoche.

[Katie]

Thank you so much for sharing the transcript. It is great to hear all of it, especially when articles have taken just bits and pieces. It is so sweet that some of her friends have been keeping her pumped from Nationals. I still can't believe that she had to watch from home. It was just not right!

[Aslan's Girl]

Thank you so much for the transcript, Jamie! I muc prefer reading the whole thiing at once than having to sort through a dozen article to catch quotes, lol!

[AZSkateFan]

Your welcome, MKFers! If Michelle does any other teleconferences, I might just be able to snag some more transcripts for everyone's enjoyment.

[Scoobert Dieu]

There's a mistake at the beginning of the transcript. It says she started skating on Saturday, but started jumping on Friday. Probably meant to say she started skating on Friday.

[GoldenMichelle]

Probably can add Rena and John to that list, since they train at EW. My first thought was Tim Goeble too.
Mike Weiss may have texed her too...he had lovely things to say about her in the fluff

[smileyllama]

Thanks Jamie :-D

[KwansPrayerWarrior]

Originally Posted by JBlanch

Do you think there is any
way you may be overestimating your ability to do it this quickly?

I hate this man already. If it was a woman, I hate her too LOL!!

Originally quoted by MichelleKwan
“No, you know, my body is pretty amazing.

Alot of the guys are going: "Yeah, baybeeeeeee"

[kwan4life]

I really dont understand why people keep questioning her body's ability to heal. She is a young woman. 25 is not old people by any means. She has a young vibrant body. I'm glad she's okay though.

[Katty52]

Don't forget her brother in law was at Nationals as well as Brian Botano

[MKIcePrincess]

I have been waiting to see this. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I may be a broken record but I was THRILLED to see this. ^_^

[Krista]

Thanks for posting that Jamie

[Heather]

Thanks so much Jamie!!

[la ah]

Thanks so much for the transcript.