Olympic Champion Peggy Fleming Gives Michelle Kwan a Replica of her Gold Ice Skating Medal

MSNBC ^ | February 22, 2002 | Lester Holt

[codebreaker]

MSNBC showed footage of a press conference and Michelle had two medals on her neck the bronze and the one given to her by Peggy Fleming.

She looked liked she was about to lose it..

[writmeister]

Oh. I'm not saying that Kwan deserved a gold medal. Hughes clealry had the more brilliant skates. All I am saying is that I think many are undeservedly trashing Kwan.

[codebreaker]

Kristi Yamaguichi is like Joe Montana in football-ice water in her veins.

She never screws up, I think she could still go back today and win if Cohen doesn't land quads.

[LaDivaLoca]

For Hughes to win Gold, Kwan had to win no higher than 3rd. It has something to do with the ordinals.

[GussiedUp]

I thought it was innocent, Sarah has never won anything except Skate Canada-so she didn't know where to go..

LMAO I bet you that sweet adorable Sarah knew EXACTLY where the gold medal stand was!!! Bless her heart, she certainly deserved to stand there too. Kwan's overall persona disappointed me last night, including that incident. I was pulling for Kwan when it started but I now believe the best skater last night took home the gold - and did it with much grace and such endearing youthful, sweet charm! I wish her much success.

[doug from upland]

I agree with your assessment. Michelle has shown class on behalf of this nation for a decade. Sarah was phenomenal and deserved the gold but Michelle does not deserve to be dissed. (unless I find out that she supports Hillary)

[codebreaker]

LOL! 'Some girl who looked like Blossom.'

[codebreaker]

Agreed, Kwan is one of the classiest champions of all time.

[Cold Heat]

This is the direct result of being your own coach.

[el_texicano]

I don't normally care to watch the figure skating event, but did last night and am glad I did. The performance by Sarah was jaw dropping. The kid was doing things that even an uneducated in the arts guy like me couldn't help but notice. She was enjoying the whole experience and you could tell it. It wasn't mechanical or uninspired like the bunches I had watched prior to or after that.

Sasha, well...she's beautiful, but she needs to loosen up in my opinion.

Sarah skated with her heart. She seemed to be pouring it out from down deep.

[codebreaker]

Michelle is an unquestioned, unparalled classy champion-no doubt.

[codebreaker]

So now the Russians are DEMANDING a second gold!

[Sword_of_Gideon]

With a few exceptions, I don't feel that anyone has been making negative attacks against Kwan personally (with the noticable exception of some pointing out her "perceived" attitude & personality). I am simply affirming my right to root for who I choose based upon my own personal reasons. Would you or a few of the others being making such a big deal of this if it were a team sport rather than individual?

But, whether I agree or disagree with their sentiment on her attitude (let me play devil's advocate here), they are entitled to their opinion & have every right to express that opinion as they see fit. You can choose to label it "mean" or "negative" or however you wish, but if you choose to live and work in the public eye (athletes, politicians, entertainers, etc) then you best have thick skin & take it in stride. I have better things to do than waste my time trying to defend someone who I have no personal connection with's honor. However I do feel it is a valuable use of my time to defend mine as well as others rights to voice thier opinion. Unfortunately I see this attempt to silence Kwan's critics as the pervasivness of the PC culture creeping into conservative circles now.

[JBCiejka]

I totally agree. Michelle worked very hard for 4 years to win the gold medal, and I can't even imagine the emotion she felt when it was over. It reminds me of Ivan Lendal working towards winning Wimbledon. Someone that works that hard and strives that hard to win or accomplish something deserves respect no matter who they are. Most of us would have given up.

[codebreaker]

I think Kristi is pregnant..