There were no competitions on television. The first skating competition I ever remember seeing on television was the 1968 Olympics when Peggy Fleming won.

In my teen years leading up to the Olympics, I loved having the excuse to skip out on parties because of skating. Partying wasnt my thing anyway. Mostly I hung out with other skaters. We were all buddies, so its not like I missed out on socializing. I was really enjoying myself.

I was a bratty little sister. I was the youngest of three, and I often felt as though I didn't fit in.

It's different today than it was then. In those days we were strictly amateurs. If I had wanted to stay in for the '80 Olympics, my parents couldn't have afforded it.

My coach was a great politician, so he did most of the work. He was good.

You see the fairy tale - four minutes of glory at the Olympics. I thought my life would be cake after that.

I wouldn't say that there's ever been an Olympic champion that didn't deserve to win an Olympic Gold Medal.