45. The Kwan Sisters

Oct 18, 2021 · 36m 27s
45. The Kwan Sisters
Description

The Kwan Sisters - Michelle Kwan is an American retired figure skater. She is a two-time Olympic medalist (silver in 1998, bronze in 2002), a five-time World champion (1996, 1998,...

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The Kwan Sisters - Michelle Kwan is an American retired figure skater. She is a two-time Olympic medalist (silver in 1998, bronze in 2002), a five-time World champion (1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003) and a nine-time U.S. champion (1996, 1998–2005). She is tied with Maribel Vinson for the all-time National Championship record. She competed at the senior level for over a decade and is the most decorated figure skater in U.S. history. Known for her consistency and expressive artistry on ice, she is widely considered one of the greatest figure skaters of all time. For well over a decade, Kwan maintained her status not only as America's most popular figure skater but as one of America's most popular female athletes. Kwan landed numerous major endorsement deals, starred in multiple TV specials and was the subject of extensive media coverage. From 1997 to 2005, she was the U.S. Figure Skating Association's top-paid skater in appearance fees and prize money, as well as one of the highest paid Winter Olympic athletes in endorsements. Kwan was also the highest paid skater on the Champions on Ice tours.

Karen Kwan Oppegard is best known as the older sister of figure skater Michelle Kwan. Karen is two years older than Michelle and was an elite figure skater herself. The Kwan sisters began figure skating at the same time and trained and competed against each other for years. Karen, like Michelle, was coached by Frank Carroll at the Lake Arrowhead training center. Though Karen's results never quite matched Michelle's, she was known for her long legs and arms that added a lyrical style and an elegant dimension to her skating. She also had consistent triple jumps and good technical spins. Karen also represented the United States at numerous international skating events, and won the bronze medal at the 1996 Nebelhorn Trophy in Germany. She retired in 1997 to focus on school. She attended Boston University. Since ending her competitive skating career, Kwan has maintained her connection to the sport. She has worked as a choreographer and is the skating director at the East West Skating Palace, in Artesia, California. The Kwan family owns and operates the rink. Kwan graduated from Boston University in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in communications. She interned with clothing designer Vera Wang (a relative), who is noted for designing figure skating costumes and personally designed Michelle's costumes.
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Author David Santee
Organization David Santee
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