Creating emotion was what my career was all about. I wanted people to laugh at me; I wanted people to cry with me. I wanted people to feel good or to think about something when they watched me. I think that's why, even not being an Olympic champion, I have such a huge following around the world.

I definitely don't think of myself as an actual male model. I'm far too short and my legs are far too muscular.

Love myself I do. Not everything, but I love the good as well as the bad. I love my crazy lifestyle, and I love my hard discipline. I love my freedom of speech and the way my eyes get dark when I'm tired. I love that I have learned to trust people with my heart, even if it will get broken. I am proud of everything that I am and will become.

To me, skating should look effortless even when you're doing the hardest of elements.

I love skating and sparkling and flying around the ice, and people clap for you. It's an amazing feeling.

I have always thought that being a good American is appreciating the world, not just your own country.

I'm a tough person. I wasn't afraid of other kids because I understood that someday they'd wash my car.