I have to consider my greatest accomplishments winning the Olympics because everything that Ive done after that is really because of the Olympics.

Kat and I were in our 20s when we won in '88. Our personalities were already established. We were ready to move on to a life of professional skating.

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

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.

As an athlete, I hope we can remain focused on the Olympic spirit which celebrates achievement in sport by peoples of all nations.

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

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