Michelle Kwan

One of her sport's greatest athletes, Michelle Kwan embodied amazing artistry and athleticism in her awe-inspiring figure skating career. The winner of five World Championships, nine U.S. National Championships, and silver and bronze Olympic medals, Kwan dominated the sport for an unprecedented long stretch that won her countless fans among viewers, peers and experts. Although she never won the Olympic gold medal, Kwan's enormous grace and maturity in the face of her setbacks only endeared her further to the world and solidified her reputation as a gracious competitor. Famous for earning a slew of perfect 6.0 scores for her artistic impression, Kwan pushed herself hard and earned multiple endorsements from companies who appreciated her impeccable, wholesome reputation as well as from the U.S. government, who named her a public diplomacy ambassador. So popular was the skater that she made an impression outside the skating world, with guest spots in such mainstream projects as the Disney films "Ice Princess" (2005) and "Mulan II" (2004) and even starred in her own video game. An exceptional role model and athlete, Michelle Kwan enjoyed an unparalleled legacy and global standing that many felt was worth even more than gold.