I started skating when I was six years old.

There is no age, height, or weight requirement to skate. It is good exercise no matter what your age is. If you want to be competitive, most start young. But, I practice with many adult competitors.

I won my first medal when I was nine years old. It was at the Boston Open.

My dad worked several jobs to pay for my expense in skating.

I was a tomboy who liked to play rough just like my two older brothers. That's probably why I liked the athletic part of skating - especially the jumping!

Part of being a champ is acting like a champ. You have to learn how to win and not run away when you lose.

It was never about winning medals or being famous.