Figure skating is theatrical, and a part of it is wearing costumes. My costumes were very over-the-top and outrageous for figure skating. But for me, it's all beautiful. Even when nobody else believed they were beautiful, I felt beautiful in them.

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

When you are an athlete, it's difficult to take time off and say you want to come back without everyone judging you and attacking you.

I'm going to skate exactly the way I want to, create programs that I like, and everything will fall into place where it is supposed to.

I am an American man, and in America, we still think of figure skaters as little girls in pretty, sparkly dresses - I worked very hard to change the perception and image of figure skating, and I think I've done a great job on my end, but in figure skating, taste needs to evolve.

I think being in the public eye can only help me launch into the world of fashion.

Anytime you get men in glitter, it's a flamboyant occasion!