As an athlete, everyone was always like, 'Listen to your body.' Whether it's an injury or whether it's just a nagging ache, that can affect your progress just because you think 'Oh, I'll push through it today' and then you can't work out for two weeks. I've learned that, as a skater, I'm very aware of that.

I love to work out. I need to work out! Nothing makes me feel better than walking out of a spin or barre class knowing my body and mind got some attention.

I am very competitive, so when I fail I use what I learned from that mishap to fuel success.

I love stepping onto the ice knowing I can create whatever I want or am feeling that day. It inspires me to be creative and artistic. It's a great therapeutic outlet to utilize both my heart and body at the same time.

Over the years, God and St. Therese have kept me going no matter how bad things were.

Career-wise, I was not the most naturally talented ice skater. Of course I had a knack for it , but practice was always the answer for me. I needed to put in the time to get back the confidence that led me to Olympic gold.

I can't even imagine what it's like and right now I'm like in shock, I can't believe that I'm Olympic Champion.