It's hard work to make a four-minute program look effortless and elegant.

I never really like to skate in an empty ice rink; I always need the attention of an audience.

As an athlete, you choose your sport and are drawn into it but your passion should never be driven by fame and fortune but a desire to create something special that people will always remember.

I was the very first athlete in East Germany allowed to go professional.

When I go out on the ice, I just think about my skating. I forget it is a competition.

Money was never the motivation. It never should be in sports.

Sometimes, success almost haunts you. You want to be the best at everything you do and know you have to work hard.