Five-time world figure skating champion Michelle Kwan is taking on a new role representing the United States, and it has nothing to do with skating; rather Kwan will represent America as the country’s first public diplomacy envoy. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice made the announcement at a State Department press briefing yesterday.
“Michelle embodies the American dream,” Rice said of the nine-time U.S. figure skating titleholder. “The daughter of Chinese immigrants, she rose to the heights of artistic and athletic excellence through her discipline, her drive and her determination.”
In her traditional humble manner, Kwan said she hopes that by sharing her own story she can help young people around the world better understand the U.S. and its values.
“I hope they learn from my experience some of the lessons that I’ve learned from competing, like dedication and to persevere, to have goals and how to go about achieving your goals, the importance of teamwork, diversity,” Kwan told reporters.
“I think that is a lot of the values that American culture has: diversity, the dreams that we have and opportunities we have,” she added. “I think that’s the message that I can send.”
According to Kwan, her first mission in her new role will be a trip to Asia, early next year. “I look forward to interacting with young people and sharing positive things about America, its culture, its people, and the great things America stands for,” she said. “As an athlete I’ve always been proud to represent the United States. And now to do it in this position is really, really special to me.”
I was happy to hear that Kwan accepted the role. I haven’t heard much about her since her highly publicized withdrawal (she suffered an injury) from the winter Olympics earlier this year. The 26-year old told reporters she has been keeping a low profile since the Olympics by focusing on her studies at the University of Denver. Kwan is studying political science and international studies, which should come in handy during her time as a diplomat.
Rice was quick to point out that coincidently, like Kwan, she attended the University of Denver, studied the same subjects and even skated competitively.
“She’s on her way, I’m sure, to being Secretary of State one day,” Rice said.
However, Kwan told reporters she was not ready to commit to a profession. All she would say was: “I take one thing at a time.” Kwan did reveal that she hasn’t ruled out competing on the ice again–someday. Though quickly added it was too early for her to be thinking about the 2010 Olympics.