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.

I always try to start out with some type of goal. Then I work backward and think of what I need to do to get there, and give myself smaller goals that are more immediate

Searching for funds to continue my skating career when I was 17, I called the Women's Sports Foundation in New York. The intern who answered the phone suggested that I might be a great candidate for the Travel and Training fund, and she sent me an application form. I applied for a grant. With the funds I was awarded, I bought a new pair of skates and a plane ticket to the 1988 National Championships, where I achieved my highest national finish. Four years later, I won the gold medal at the 1992 Olympic Games.

Before turning pro, I would never have just left my skates sitting in the locker room unattended.

Childhood reading is so important.

I feel like I missed out on the regular high school social life, but that's the way I chose to be.

There are two or three performances in your life that are absolutely on, where all the planets are lined up for you and you feel you're invincible.