Michelle Kwan is the top draw on the Champions on Ice tour, which comes to Seattle May 24.

By Hayley Bruemmer
For the Northwest Asian Weekly

Ginny Smith began the last figure skating season by flying from San Jose, Calif., to New York City to watch Michelle Kwan perform in a tribute show. Then Smith saw Kwan win U.S. nationals in Los Angeles, and Olympic bronze in Salt Lake City.

Smith still hadn't had enough Kwan, so she bought tickets to the post-Olympic Champions on Ice tour. By the time the season ended, Smith had attended nine of Kwan's performances, and was clamoring for more.

What is Kwan's allure?

Smith likens watching Kwan perform to appreciating a work of art.

"Sometimes you travel to special events because they're beautiful to watch," she said. "If you know they're going to happen, you want to see them."

Today, Kwan is as omnipresent a force as ever. After dazzling observers at U.S. nationals in January and the world championships in March, the 22-year-old has settled into her spot as star of this year's tour.

It's no surprise that Smith will be among those in attendance when "Champions on Ice" visits Seattle on May 24 at 2 p.m. at KeyArena. It's also no surprise that Kwan is the top draw for fans such as Smith.

"Michelle welcomes people to appreciate and enjoy her skating," tour manager Michael Collins said. "She has a history of dedication, perfection and professionalism, and that's what makes her a star. There's not a bad thing about her."

Kwan's popularity is indicative of 17 years of dedication to the sport she has constantly redefined. Coaches, officials and skaters gush about her skills, her competitive drive and passion she brings to skating.

"Michelle's essence is her joy for skating," said Carol Heiss Jenkins, 1960 Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion. "She really seems to love to compete. She's a wonderful ambassador for the sport."

But joy and competitive drive are only part of the formula. Kwan also has the talent and ability to deliver. When she's on, her total package is unmatchable.

"She's redefined the presentation mark as we know it today," said Gale Tanger, a U.S. Figure Skating Association judge and official for over 34 years. "It's now based off of her ability to interpret and develop a program, and bring the total package to the viewer."

Kwan's desire to better herself is the catalyst behind her competitive spirit. But her commitment, Tanger said, extends beyond herself to her country and her sport.

Case in point: In October, reigning Olympic champion Sarah Hughes withdrew from the Grand Prix series Skate America competition, leaving the USFSA scrambling to fill her spot. Kwan had chosen to sit out the Grand Prix circuit, but accepted a last-minute invitation to compete. She won the event for the seventh time.

Three months later, Kwan surprised much of the skating world by winning her seventh overall and sixth consecutive national title in flawless fashion. Then, in March, Kwan soared even higher, winning her fifth world title and adding to her status as most decorated American skater at those championships.

Tanger said Kwan's efforts this season were a victory for everyone.

"Everyone thought they wouldn't see her. Then she goes and knocks everyone's socks off. Her win made lots of us -- officials, other athletes, coaches -- recommit," she said. "It was a resounding message across the board."

Kwan's message was a continuation of one first communicated in 1994, during the Nancy Kerrigan-Tonya Harding scandal.

"Michelle has always wanted to boost skating," said Kwan's sister, Karen Kwan, herself a former skater. "After the Nancy-Tonya ordeal, Michelle wanted to bring skating to a level that surpassed pageantry."

Kwan has achieved that and more, simply by doing what she does best. Amid perpetual change, she has been skating's constant.

"One of Michelle's greatest contributions is that she has been in it for so long," said Tonia Kwiatkowski, 1996 U.S. national silver medalist who competed against Kwan from 1993 to 1998. "People want to see her. She holds the sport's interest."

But with the positive comes the negative. Over the years, Kwan has faced every kind of criticism imaginable, from being stale to needing to step aside so younger skaters can have their turn as champion.

Heiss Jenkins said Kwan's critics often have unrealistic expectations of her.

"There is tremendous pressure to stay on top," she said. "It's almost impossible to put into words, because it's a combination of so many different expectations. But Michelle keeps doing what makes her feel good, and proved she was absolutely so right in continuing."

Kwan's career has been a series of ups and downs, with high points such as this year's national and world championships, and low points such as falling short of Olympic gold in 1998 (she won silver) and 2002. It's a rocky road that Karen Kwan said Michelle has finally learned to navigate.

"Michelle has realized skating is just a sport," Karen said. "She knows she's going to have good and bad days, and in the end she's happy with her career and has made peace with herself."

According to Karen Kwan, Michelle's plans -- even for next year -- are undecided. But observers are aware that Michelle Kwan has nothing left to prove. Common sentiment in skating circles is that she has already assured herself a place among the all-time greats.

"Michelle has shaped the outlook of a whole generation of young skaters," said her coach, Scott Williams. "She's an inspiration for how one can meet challenges."

Karen Kwan sees her younger sister's influence every time she teaches skating.

"I always have hordes of little kids wanting to skate to music Michelle has used," she said. "That's the best compliment ever."

Champions on Ice will perform at KeyArena on May 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $45 to $65. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 206-628-0888 or visit www.ticketmaster.com

Hayley Bruemmer is a student in the University of Washington School of Communications News Laboratory. She can be reached at scpnwan@nwlink.com.

Carol N. Vu can be reached at carol@nwasianweekly.com.