The Olympics are great for notoriety right off the bat, but your body of work is what people remember you for.

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

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.

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

Plus the public's attention span is so short right now, if a skater doesn't strike while the iron is hot... well it's not like people will forget you, but they just won't care anymore.

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.

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