“As an athlete, I've always been very proud to represent the United States.”

“As I've gotten older and grown more independent, I think for myself, and that's how it should be.”

“Because I'm pushing my body so hard already, the last thing I want to do is have music that's really too strong, in my head.”

“I actually prefer soothing music - and maybe that's the skater in me.”

“I always thought after 2002 that I'd hang up my skates and turn professional and just go on tour and do shows. But I don't know when it is enough. I mean, I still enjoy it. I'm the luckiest girl alive that I get to perform in front of thousands of people, do what I love doing.”

“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.”

“I got a call this morning, and it was from Nancy Kerrigan, wishing me luck. She wished me luck and sent me all her good wishes.”

“I had dreamed of being at the Olympics since I was 7 years old.”

“I want to see how far I can train. I have to see how far my body will go.”

“I was so worried about winning, it was as if I was caught up in my own web.”

“I would just love to be able to give back to figure skating.”

“I'm a big eater.”

“Skating has given me so much that it's priceless.”

“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.”

“Sometimes my body is aching, but I always think, 'Why am I in this? Why do I love it so much?' That's what makes me persevere, that's what makes me keep on going.”

“There's a lot of emotions that always come out after a skate of a lifetime. I always start crying because there is so much buildup to that competition.”

“To represent your country is an honor and a great experience.”

“What I love the most is getting on the ice and just popping in a fabulous CD and skating - all by myself, the rink completely empty, just me and the music.”

“When I was younger, I always dreamed of being a legend, to be remembered in figure skating.”

“You can always say, 'I wish I had landed that triple flip better, or I wish I didn't fall.' They're not regrets, just mistakes.”