Four-time world champion figure skater Michelle Kwan joined the AOL Live auditorium to chat with members about her third Goodwill Games competition and her preparation for the 2002 Winter Olympics. See what else she had to say below. Scroll down to read the full transcript... ************************************************************************* Goodwill MC: Hi Michelle :) Thanks for joining us at AOL Live. MichelleKwanLive: Hi everybody :) Question: In a career of many highlights, what's your favourite moment of your career?? MichelleKwanLive: There have been so many highlights in my skating career. In '96, Edmonton was one of the best skates, and I've skated nationals... Being in the Olympics was quite an experience - something that was memorable - a dream come true because I have always wanted to be in the Olympics. The 2000 and 2001 championships were also pretty amazing - last year's world championships were the best because I was struggling with the season and I was able to pull myself together. Comment: Michelle, I think you are the best and good luck in the upcoming Olympics! I wish you the best and know you will do wonderfully! Good luck! MichelleKwanLive: Thank you :) Question: Who do you look to for inspiration? MichelleKwanLive: There are many people I look up to, but especially Brian Boitano. He's been my role model since I was seven years old. He is here in Brisbane at the moment covering the Games. Question: So when did you start skating? MichelleKwanLive: I started skating when I was 5, in a local rink that was in a shopping mall. Question: What is the most unique thing you've ever gotten from your fans? MichelleKwanLive: There are lot of stuffed animals that are thrown onto the ice, but the weirdest thing I have gotten on the ice is a suit that actually fit! I actually wore it :) All the stuffed animals I get on the ice I usually donate to the hospitals. Question: When was the last time you went into a rink and just skated for the heck of it - without the pressure of a competition or exhibition looming? MichelleKwanLive: The last time I went to the rink - just for the heck of it - was last week before I left for Australia. I didn't wear the normal clothes I wear when I skate, I just wore a warm up suit and casually strolled onto the ice. It was the place I train at, so normally I would be warming up and jumping around and having a prep session beforehand. Question: When did you know you wanted to be a figure skater? Was it always your first love? MichelleKwanLive: Well actually I started with ballet and gymnastics, tap dancing - you name it. I've tried everything! But ice skating was always my favourite. Question: What do you think about the competition for next year's winter Games? MichelleKwanLive: Well there are a lot of great skaters competing at the Olympics, it's the best of the best. I guess you can't focus on who you are competing against, just go out there and do what you want to do. Question: What will you do differently this time around in Salt Lake City in comparison to Nagano 4 years ago? MichelleKwanLive: There are not many things I would do differently. I would try to watch some of the events beforehand, like hockey or skiing or something, because last time I wasn't able to. Question: Hi, Michelle! Congratulations on your achievements! You're a joy to watch! I'd assume that your success keeps you happy with the decision you made to follow this career path. But do you ever wish you'd done something different? MichelleKwanLive: There hasn't been much that I have regretted in my career. I've been happy with the decisions I have made after the Olympics - staying amateur. I love competing and I wouldn't change anything. Question: Hello Michelle, I am really looking forward to your new long program. In 1998 you used 'Lyra Angelica' which is not character driven. Can you tell us a little about what made you decide to portray a character for this Olympic season? MichelleKwanLive: Well, I wanted to skate to Scheharazade because I think I could portray her well and bring out the feeling with the music Question: How much do you think will be to your advantage that the [2002 Winter Olympic] Games will be held in the US? MichelleKwanLive: I don't think there's much of an advantage because the panel of judges are from all over the world, but it's nice to have the Olympics in your hometown. My family members and friends cheer me on, and it's also nice that it's in Salt Lake City and close to home. Question: What inspires you to keep going in a sport that takes up so much of your life? MichelleKwanLive: Lots of things inspire me. I do have low days, but when I step onto the ice and feel like I am flying it's all worth it. Question: What do you look for while choosing the music for your programs? MichelleKwanLive: Something that inspires me and energises me, and of course something that I love :) Question: What do you hope to achieve at these games? Other than a medal? Are you looking forward not only to having fun, but to expand and grow with all aspects of your skating? MichelleKwanLive: Well, this will be the first comp of the season. I will be competing against the world's top skaters and I want to debut my long program which I will be skating at the Olympics, and also just to have fun and skate well. Question: Hey my name is Carrie and I did want become a skater, but I iceskated once [and] I thought I could not do it again. How long did you practice each day and how were you able to do everything else like school and family? MichelleKwanLive: Well it's been hard to juggle skating and going to school at the same time. My advice would be to just have fun and enjoy the sport. Question: How difficult is it to switch from a choreographer you've worked with for 8 years to a new one during an Olympic season? MichelleKwanLive: I've worked with [choreographer] Sarah Karahara on many specials, so it's not something out of the blue us working together. Question: Michelle, what triple/triple jump combinations do you hope to perform by Olympic or Worlds time? MichelleKwanLive: Triple lutz, and triple toe :) Question: Michelle, I am a relatively large fan of yours. I would like to say I think you're very graceful, elegant, and stylish when you perform on the ice rink. I would like to know how you feel about yourself and how you are doing in your career? MichelleKwanLive: I feel great about where I am at in my school and competing. I've experienced a lot in my skating and it made me grow as a person Goodwill MC: Thanks so much for joining us at AOL Live today Michelle :) All the best for the Goodwill Games!! MichelleKwanLive: Goodbye and thanks for all the questions! Copyright 2001 America Online, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Portions of this transcript may be edited by AOL to correct spelling, punctuation and/or remove any material that violates AOL's Terms of Service. 9/5/01 1:59 PM