Literally falling on the ice and having to pick yourself up in front of thousands of people is not an easy thing to do. The thing that you learn is to pick yourself back up, to learn from your mistakes.
Michelle KwanRead
Skating takes up 70 percent of my time, school about 25 percent. Having fun and talking to my friends, 5 percent. It's hard. I envy other kids a lot of things, but I get a guilt trip when I'm not training.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the struggle of balancing passion with other responsibilities and the feelings of guilt that can arise from not prioritizing one's passion.
Michelle Kwan expresses the challenge of dedicating a significant portion of her life to skating while juggling school and social interactions. The quote illustrates the intense commitment required in pursuing a passion, alongside the feelings of inadequacy and guilt that may accompany a lack of focus on training.
Themes
SkatingCommitmentTrainingBalanceGuiltPassion
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech for young athletes.
More from Michelle Kwan
All quotes →I look back at 1993 or 1994 when I made it to the National Championships, and I was on used skates and handmade or borrowed costumes. But my mom was there every step of the way for me: she was the one traveling with me all over the world at age 13.
Michelle KwanRead
At 13, I was fearless. I looked at everything so positive. When you're older and been through it all, you know how bad it can get. There is a fear of failing.
Michelle KwanRead
In figure skating, you have four minutes to do your best. It's your time; you do your best.
Michelle KwanRead
Winning is not about how many medals you get-it's about accomplishing goals and just being the best you can be!
Michelle KwanRead
I don't really remember a time younger than 5 years old that I didn't have skates on because all I can remember is every day, tying up my skates and a big smile on my face, excited to go on the ice.
Michelle KwanRead
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