Michelle Kwan

Michelle Kwan is a retired competitive figure skater and an active United States ambassador to Belize. The youngest of three children, Kwan grew up figure skating with her older sister, Karen. The two would dedicate their time before and after school to practice together, and both went on to skate competitively. Kwan graduated with her B.A. from the University of Denver and obtained a master’s degree from Tufts University.

Throughout her time in the competition world, Kwan was a fan favorite. In 1996, after winning her first U.S. Championship, she won her first World Championship and went on to win four more in 1998, 2000, 2001 and 2003. She scored two Olympic medals, a silver in 1998 and bronze in 2002.

Kwan won her 9th U.S. title in 2005, tying the record for most titles held. In her time competing she won a total of 43 championships, making her one of the most decorated American figure skaters of all time.

Despite having the chance to compete in the 2010 Olympics, Kwan stepped away from figure skating to further cultivate her interest in international relations, building the foundation for a career in public diplomacy. In 2022 after being an active member of the Democratic Party’s presidential campaigns, Kwan was appointed United States ambassador to Belize.

Though Kwan retired from skating in 2006, her stardom allowed her to make multiple television appearances, including on Family Guy and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. She also participated in a Disney special that featured her skating to the soundtrack of Mulan.

In 1997, Kwan authored her autobiography Michelle Kwan: Heart of a Champion.

She married former White House staffer Clay Pell in 2013, and the couple divorced in 2017. In 2022, Kwan gave birth to her first child, Kalista Belle. Kwan announced in December 2025 that she quietly welcomed her second daughter, Della Rose.