Training for the Olympics was a lifelong endeavor and took many years.

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.

I don't mind the sparkle - I think it's kind of a tradition in skating. I don't think the men really need sparkles, but for the women it's part of the glamour of our sport.

The past couple years training with Kurt have really brought inspiration into my skating.

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

Skating was something I really wanted to do; my parents knew nothing about it. They said they'd support me as long as I was trying my hardest and enjoying it.