Michelle Kwan elected to World Figure Skating Hall of Fame
Michelle Kwan elected to World Figure Skating Hall of Fame COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 14, 2012)
Michelle Kwan, a five-time World champion and two-time Olympic medalist, has been elected to the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame as the only member of the Class of 2012. Kwan, the most-decorated skater in U.S. history, enters the hall in her first year of eligibility. From 1995-2005, Kwan won an unprecedented 43 championships, including World championships in 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001 and 2003.
Kwan earned the silver medal at the 1998 Olympics and bronze medal at the 2002 Olympics. She is a nine-time U.S. Champion, winning eight consecutive titles from 1998 to 2005. In the nearly 100-year history of U.S. Figure Skating, no American man or woman has won more World titles, Olympic medals and U.S. titles. Kwan will long be remembered for her mastery of the 6.0 judging system. She received 57 perfect 6.0 marks in major competitions, the most of any skater in history. She was awarded at least one 6.0 at her last five U.S. Championships. At the 1998 U.S. Championships, Kwan earned a record 15 perfect 6.0 marks out of a possible 18.
“I would like to congratulate Michelle Kwan on being elected into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame Class of 2012 on her first year of eligibility,” said Larry Mondschein, World Figure Skating Hall of Fame Chair of Nominating Committee. “Michelle continues to be a role model through her many contributions both on and off the ice. On behalf of the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame, we join Michelle and her many admirers throughout the world in celebration of this great honor.”
World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame The World Figure Skating Hall of Fame was established in 1976 to honor those who have made outstanding contributions to the sport of figure skating as competitors, coaches and other significant accomplishments. The hall is housed in the World Figure Skating Museum in Colorado Springs, Colo., USA.
