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

It wasn't always easy getting up at 5 o'clock in the morning to go to the rink. Sometimes I wanted to just go back to sleep.

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!

Even now I can't describe why I love skating so much.

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

Falling down became second nature and it really didn't bother me.

It was never about winning medals or being famous.