Every day, someone realizes a dream. I believe dreams help light our darkness and give us the push we need to move across the rink of life.

Winning in women's singles felt surreal. I felt that everything I had done - the hard work, the tough times - was all worth it.

An athlete gains so much knowledge by just participating in a sport. Focus, discipline, hard work, goal setting and, of course, the thrill of finally achieving your goals. These are all lessons in life.

One of my mottos not only just in skating but in life in general and I try to enforce it as well, is like no regrets and just like going for it.

The skaters a lot of times do their own hair and makeup before they compete. That was always kind of a ritual...that calming, quiet time where you can just do your hair and makeup. And then I would always lace up my right skate before my left one.

Once you have a child, your heart is forever outside your body. I totally understand that now.

As a professional, I think we're not being judged solely on technical ability anymore. People really want to be entertained and enjoy what they're watching.