From an athlete's perspective, to cancel the Olympics in regards to the threats would be absolutely devastating - especially since the Olympics - it's really about people meeting together through sports and putting aside their countries' differences for that time.

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.

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

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

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

Yeah, I am a little bit, and I think it is a natural progression of the sport, of going upwards in technical ability and everything like that.

So the programs all start to all look the same. I watched one free skating competition, and I thought I was watching a short program. Everyone was doing exactly the same elements.