E! Online reports today that US figure skater Michelle Kwan, who withdrew from the Olympics over the weekend as the result of a groin injury, declined an offer from Olympics network NBC to become a part of the commentator team. Kwan said she didn't want to become a distraction for the rest of the US skaters.
On Saturday, Kwan dropped out of the competition due to a recurring groin injury. Kwan was a well-known face after having won the bronze and silver medals in the 1998 and 2002 Olympics, respectively, and at age 25 this was thought to be her last Olympic try. Her quest for the gold was to be one of the dramatic highlights of this competition, and her absence is a blow to NBC, who needs all the hype it can muster for its 418 hours of coverage. On Sunday, NBC Sports chairman Dick Ebersol made Kwan the offer of joining the on-air commentary team.
At an emotional press conference yesterday, Kwan said withdrawing from this year's Olympics was the most difficult decision she had ever made. "I'd love to compete in my third Olympics. But I love and respect the sport. I think it's all about the United States presenting its best team to the Olympic Games. And I wouldn't want to be in the way of that," she said.
Although Kwan never attained the gold medal in figure skating, she won either silver or bronze for nine consecutive years during her professional career, a feat surpassed only by the 1920s great Sonja Hennie, who won 11 consecutive medals. Kwan will be replaced by Emily Hughes, the sister of 2002 gold medalist Sarah Hughes.
Kwan was philosophical about the situation, saying "I've learned that it's not about the gold. It's about the spirit of it and about the sport itself. I have no regrets, I tried my hardest and if I don't win the gold, it's okay. I've had a great career. I've been very lucky. This is a sport. It's beautiful."
Comments (3)
What a selfless act, sitting this one out, for the sake of the games. I hope that the lucky one who fills her spot, can fill her skates as well. I wish she wouldve accepted the offer to commentate though. I doubt she would be a distraction, most likely more of a inspiration to all. She has set the bar quite high, and I hope to see her in four years, just as graceful both on and off of the ice, A person who knows the meaning of sportsmanship.
Poor Michelle...she is going to have to wait for four more years for another shot at the gold medal. That is really sad. I don't blame her for not wanting to be a commentator--that would have been really hard for her to watch from the sidelines.
It was really sad to see her withdraw from the competition, my heart goes out to her...I think she made the right decision though, my hats off to her, she is truly a gifted athlete and an amazing person. Putting the nations interest above her own!!! You'll always be a winner Michelle!