A really important part of competition is coming back, trying to do it better the second time than you did the first.

If I had never won a single medal, I'd still be skating in a rink somewhere. There wouldn't be an audience or camera flashes or autograph seekers, but I'd still be skating.

That's what amateur skating is about, technical expertise, and it should always stay that way.

I love skating. I love the speed, the power, the excitement, the feeling that --- even for just a moment --- I can defy gravity and fly through the air. And I love the way that a great skating performance, like any work of art, can move an audience to laughter or tears.

When a skater steps on the ice to compete, the nerves, the tension, and sheer suspense of that moment make for great drama.

First and foremost I am an American athlete and I am proud to live in a country that encourages diversity, openness and tolerance.

The U.S. Olympic spirit award is an award that is given to an athlete who embodies the Olympic spirit in more ways than just on the playing field, in showing incredible perseverance, in overcoming obstacles, and what we wanted to do is have everybody can vote on-line.