Michelle Kwan 2003 World Championships

She wins her 5th World title with this Long Program.

[@jeannettebohland1453]

I was in the audience for that skate. It was magical.

[@erivera4928]

2024 and I’m still hooked on this performance. Thank you Michelle! We were with you every step of the way!

[@SecondPlaceYuya]

The thing that the camera didn't capture in this video is during the final pose, as she lifted her arms, the whole audience stood to their feet in unison. I think it's probably the most iconic memorable moments in the history of skating.

[@keithbrescia9893]

Let me add that the TV sound did not do justice to the roar of the audience at that moment. I was up in the nosebleed seats next to the ceiling, and that burst of applause came in like a breaker at the beach. I had binoculars, but I never used them during the performance. Michelle was able to reach out to us up there without optical aid. Definitely one of my biggest thrills at sports events.

[@Sunshinefeelgood]

POV 2023: I’ve been watching Michelle since I was a child, and I still think about her every so often 🎉❤

[@wildtigerwoman]

I was in the stands that night with my Mom and my husband. I can't even begin to describe the energy that was there. When Michelle went into her straight line foot work, there was not a soul sitting down. We couldn't even hear her music, that's how loud and electric the crowd was. If a skater can be lifted by positive crowd energy, we sent her straight thru the strastophere! It was such a joy to watch the medal ceremony. What a fabulous skater.

[@ChristineTheHippie]

I don't think there will be another Michelle Kwan, not just because all skaters are different, but because she is such an icon. Her longevity and the way she offered us her heart when she skated made her so memorable.

[@PrinceofTroy-kx3nk]

Truth nailed 🎯. Couldn't say it better.

[@cosmlayla]

It's not always about jumps. It's about the whole package! She will always be my favorite skater.

[@karenlouks3480]

Very much so mine too

[@iluvbluecookies97]

This is one of those skating performances that I watch when I'm feeling down on myself and need a cathartic cry. There's something about this one that tugs at my heartstrings in such a way..

[@alexdm4868]

this STILL gives me chills 20 years later. I hope Michelle is out there doing well these days.

[@keeganthorpe]

That split jump into that spread eagle get me every time. Just magnificent. Not a triple jump or quad. A freaking split jump into a spread eagle! I miss when artistry mattered.

[@danjohnrob64]

I love Michelle's performances so much! I wish I could meet her some day, give her a big hug, and thank her for all the years she brought a little joy to my life!

[@geraldpinoy625]

Who’s here watching in 2020? ABSOLUTE PERFECTION. Chills and goosebumps to the core. No skater in this day and age can ever take her viewers with her in her journey as she glides through the ice like Michelle Kwan can. 🥰

[@katherinetan4587]

Same

[@mklover]

Ditto Gerald. Love this performance - power, timing , musicality, just JOY!

[@pengguo5234]

2021

[@pengguo5234]

2021

[@테스트테스트-u4v]

Anyone want to talk Michelle?

[@AxlKhan-v1f]

We will never see this kind of beauty and magic on ice ever again. Quite Simply, the G.O.A.T...

[@cosmlayla]

I never get tired of watching her. I have tears in my eyes. She's more than a athlete.

[@CocogoatMain0501]

She's an artist

[@EstherRimert]

This performance made me tear up too. So much love, passion and brilliance in one program🥲❤

[@spottertruk]

Years later, Michelle Kwan is STILL my golden girl of skating.

[@ThePricklyash]

Yes, She is the standard

[@TT-ee4qp]

@@ThePricklyash If people held the Olympics each year, Michelle would win the most golds in the history.

[@ThePricklyash]

@@TT-ee4qp thank you for having me watch this again. She is the epitome of strength, control, and majestry

[@liveoakgap7489]

She is the silver and bronze girl of skating.

[@liveoakgap7489]

@@TT-ee4qp if she could skate as well as Hughes and Tara, she would have Olympic gold.

[@hrjr2009]

And no one dominated the sport for more than a decade! That is why Michelle will be remembered, Gold medal or not...in fact, most everyday people think she won anyways, lol... More World and National Titles than any of them...

[@cheryldodd-marko9787]

The grace and beauty of her program's are UNMATCHED, EVEN IN 2023

[@ГалияАбрахман]

Юна Ким фигуристка отличная. Прыжки у нее высокие красивые, недавно только ознакомилась. Теперь это тоже смотрю.

[@reubenkeyz5131]

To me this is the best music she has skated to. Also, one of her best Worlds performance, if not THE BEST.

[@pengguo5234]

@K J agree

[@joaocampelo3725]

Yes, when it comes to the performance, this was her best at Worlds

[@joephet]

Yeah I wonder if the outcome would be different if she revisited this piece for the Olympics.

[@joephet]

I couldn’t tell did she double that salchow?

[@pearrock2]

I still cry. I still cry when I see this. This is my #1 favorite Michelle moment, moreso than '98 Nationals. She was constantly trying to prove to the critics throughout these years that she could stay at a high level to be World and Olypmic champion, and just when some critics would count her out, she would perform a program like this.

[@LWOPP]

Her LPs were often divided into acts, like a play. The first set the tone: athletic, abstract or soft and gentle. Act II showcased her spins, musicality, and usually her spiral. Act III brought it all home; usually beginning with a footwork sequence, plus a final jump or two and some grace notes like a falling leaf, spread eagle or Charlotte. IMO, it's why her LPs are so memorable. Today's programs often seem to me to be simply a series of elements with no master plan.

[@joephet]

Yeah definitely her recipe. With a triple toe as her final jump into her step sequence.

[@karenlouks3480]

Yep I agree

[@CocogoatMain0501]

are u still alive?

[@AllenJones-w3p]

One of the greatest performances of Michelle's career.

[@ehrenjw]

You watch the performances of today and they just simply don't compare. Kwan was and always will be in a league of her own. Extraordinary. Had the commentators in tears. And the rest of us.

[@thivu9165]

All of the girls do now is just jump spin jump spin.

[@sanaansari8947]

Yeah there’s no artistry in today’s skaters

[@lukyone11]

So true, artistic figure skating which is what it should be instead of all this who can have the most jumps is crap now. Pit those skaters of today agaisnt Michelle and I'm sure they would still lose

[@justinmin6623]

I completely agree

[@tegmapat11]

There has never been anyone like her! Michelle Kwan deserved every standing ovation she ever rec'd over her ice skating career, and every single one of those flowers thrown down on the ice. Have you ever seen anyone get as many flowers as she did? No, and you never will! She was the greatest!

[@bordeauxhouse]

Only Hanyu

[@kimberlysimon1440]

here in 2024!!! i’m speechless!! i just watched this performance for the first time and it brought tears to my eyes. this represents how I want to feel in every part of my life- that the hardest things are worth every oz of effort bc they bring me so much passion, heart, creativity and pleasure!!

[@allyolsen]

I know nothing about ice skating...but I do know that every time I watch this video I get chills all over..she clearly throws her whole being into what she does, as a dancer this motivates me greatly :)

[@a2mipride]

Oh, God. No one, absolutely NO ONE, can skate like Michelle. Have you ever seen such passion and strength and heart and pure emotion on ice? Even 4 years later, watching this program brings tears to my eyes. Timeless, timeless, timeless.

[@Falln4DarkAngel]

I love the beginning when she looks up and gives a little smirk like saying "I'm gonna beat yall with my awesomeness" ^^ I love Michelle!!

[@jzmusizz-4057]

She raises both hands slowly at the end showing and telling the crowd that she was their to perform...and then the beautiful smile to the crowd to top it off. Most powerful part of the performance for me was the ending. Absolutely loved it.

[@bordeauxhouse]

Thank you for the great comment summarizing her spectacular performance and ending.

[@mlc2005]

I wonder if Michelle truly understands how good she was, and how beloved she is by skaters throughout the world?

[@michellemoore1649]

I was there in 03' and I tell you she just transfers joy.

[@TheMajesticKnight]

Wow I can't even imagine how amazing that must've been.... (':

[@riverw4204]

Such an amazing moment. The roar of applause after she lands that last triple lutz, right into that gorgeous straight line step sequence, then a beautiful split jump and Dick yelling "I love it! I love it!", it's just magnificent!

[@yoojin3877]

That was the point when they actually had to turn the music up in the arena for it to be heard over the cheering.

[@kjvill2013]

For me, this season cemented her legend status in the sport. To be able to come back and rise up from two consecutive Olympic heartbreaks and to not get the so-called pinnacle of the sport considered by many after dominating figure skating for so long the way she did, not once but twice! Others would’ve been completely broken and given up right then and there. She didn’t. Beyond the consistency, competitiveness, the mental fortitude, the artistry and charisma, this woman embodied what it means to be a real champion in life and in sport, whether it had a gold medal along with it or not.

[@jamesdavid9664]

Absolutely stunning The energy the joy the love for skating It’s all there times 10 !!!!

[@limide]

the triple lutz in the end of the program was amazing!!! i think this program is the best in the figure skating ever.

[@AthenaisC]

I saw 98 Nationals live ... Michelle's connection with an audience, when she was on, was a beautiful thing to behold. I miss this kind of quality in ladies skating today.

[@slayerchick303]

I always get emotional at the end of her piece. The look on her face is of pure joy. She is astonishingly great!

[@jamesdavid9664]

One of the very best performances of her career I wish this had occurred in 2004 The Gold would have been hers ! She should have kept this Program !!

[@twebster9498]

No one's skating makes you feel the way Michelle did

[@freelyme333]

Exactly! No one. Was just about the type same.

[@SecondPlaceYuya]

It's between this program and Tosca at the 05 nationals that are my favorites. The whole program gives me goosebumps, there will never be another Michelle.

[@jjh2456]

Her layback spin here was absolutely exquisite. It became one of her many signature moves. This woman is legendary.

[@anahuezo9162]

I never tire of watching this video, she will come to be an ice skating icon.

[@petalmist0288]

And so she did. I’m graduating high school in ‘26, am interested in figure skating, and my dad just told me about this beautiful swan-

[@anahuezo9162]

@@petalmist0288 Good! Congratulations! And thanks for sharing your dreams.

[@JUNGLEJIMY123]

Wow one of the most electrifying performances ever. Michelle is awesome !!!

[@tinakover]

No one else has ever EVER skated with that kind of joy. These identical robotic teenage Russian skaters now...I just shake my head.

[@Will_3000]

I've always felt like this program just sails! The music and her seamless choreography make you feel like it begins and ends so quickly, because it's effortless. Just wonderful!

[@3l3llala13]

Amazing. She looked so relaxed, calm and confident here, quite a contrast to the deer-in-the-headlight look she often had during the 01-02 season.This was Kwan's last great performance on the ISU international stage. The 03 World was the first and only live ISU skating competition that I've attended. I felt like I "had to" since I lived in the area. Bought an all-event ticket and spent the entire week catching all of the competitions and attended most of the practices from early AM to late afternoon. I even manage to get MK's autograph on my ticket stub after one of her practice sessions :)

[@uncchristine99]

This is my favorite world championship performance of hers. I think I like it most because she came in with no expectations, was very relaxed the whole time and you can clearly see that she's enjoying every second. To still walk away with the top prize just made it perfect!

[@eugeniocorpuz8338]

People have described her skating as the closest thing to flying. Her programs have an emotional pull which brings the audience to their feet before the program ends.

[@rodia77]

The most artistic, most consistent, and best skater of all time. She can do 7 jumps, but all you remember is the interpretation and the artistry of the program. I still remember 1998 Nationals.

[@thesupremediva]

Perfection on every level. No performance at worlds has touched is in 10 years. CoP has all programs looking the same, like rush jobs with no room for artistic interpretation.

[@Eiraqucam]

I don't like figure skating and have never made a point of watching it but I've seen this video a couple of times and it never fails to amaze me.

[@JustWandering]

FLAWLESS. Flawless, flawless - God, this performance rings me to tears every time.

[@electrictroy2010]

That performance was......amazing. There’s no other word that fits Amazing. .

[@bordeauxhouse]

Yes. In awe.

[@bordeauxhouse]

Every time I watch this program, MK brings me tears of joy. I have watched it dozens × dozens of times. Her second triple lutz is sublime.

[@netw52]

Saw her skate this for nationals in Dallas. We, too, were on our feet during the footwork. We nearly blew the roof off the venue. Magical.

[@fishdude77]

i almost started crying at three different points in this program. that spiral sequence set to the music here, its just perfect.

[@Luv2FigureSkate8]

I love her SO much!!!! I miss seeing her skate now. There is no one as good as her.

[@crazyeelee]

I love this performance! She is the greatest.... This brings back memories----she's the best!

[@grantnoroyan4083]

i was there in person for this performance and was she ON........she got a standing ovation before the end of the performance she was wonderful and this was an amazing moment

[@Booger0303]

This is my favorite performance For Michelle Kwan in a competition.

[@mlc2005]

Magic! We as viewers never had to worry when watching Kwan; I was never on the edge of my seat hoping she'd hit jumps like other skaters. We all just sat back and watched her put on one hell of a show! And the amazing thing was that she did it time after time after time.

[@thesupremediva]

This was so solid and perfect. Not to mention - MOVING! Yet another year when our ladies miss the podium...we'll never see another one as great as Michelle. How I miss her.

[@rfillangi]

That edge coming out of the 2nd triple lutz takes my breath away. Tara Lipinki and Sarah Hughes never skated like that.

[@lulumallory8259]

Amen.

[@lulumallory8259]

Both won gold medals flutzing their way through their programs. Oksana Baiul did the same.

[@fnb8171]

롱엣지

[@TT-ee4qp]

@@lulumallory8259 It's a accident that Tara and Sarah won the Olympics. （∩▽∩）Under the new system, Tara's technique wouldn't get marks, the ISU raised the age limit to 17 NOW, which means Tara Lipinski should go to the kid's Olympics with her Disney Cartoon program and incorrect triple triple combo. （∩▽∩）Michelle skated like an angel on ice, Tara skated like a happy puppy running in the park....Michelle was robbed at the 98 Olympics. 😎

[@TT-ee4qp]

@@lulumallory8259 Sarah Hughes never won any National titles or World medals.....she was a middle skater who skated under Michelle's shadow. Unfortunately, Michelle fell at the 2002 Olympics and Sarah was lucky to win because the other better skaters like Michelle and Irina made mistakes.

[@Blechacz]

her movement is flowing so naturally yet powerful... it's just amazing, brilliant!!

[@doetim]

It's really amazing that most people can't even name the gold medalist from the last olympics game but Michelle's name has been floating in the air since 1996 as the eternal benchmark and ambassador of this beautiful sport!

[@gloria7876]

I was there that night. I have been a skating fan since 1969. I never thought I would see an American win a World Championship in my home town- Washington, DC.

[@edwardbak4459]

How?! How can one petite human have a heart like the ocean and take the entire audience on such an emotional journey like this? Never will there be another communicator like Michelle Kwan.

[@structure039]

Has there ever been such a fan favorite in the sport of figure skating like Michelle Kwan? I have never seen so many fans cheer for one person, even when they are winning everything. I can't imagine any other skater capturing the hearts of the fans like Michelle Kwan has done.

[@heribertoriverajr8901]

20 years later and I’m still here watching it! Thank You Madam Michelle! Queen of US Figure Skating!!!

[@TT-ee4qp]

Oueen of the World Figure skating. And of course include Peggy Fleming, Katarina Witt and Yuna Kim....... All of them were artists on ice and all Oueens.

[@fitgraphisva]

I had the lucky pleasure of being in the audience for this performance (up in the rafters). For the most part, the skating that evening was nervous and error-filled, until Michelle took the ice. From my seat, one couldn't even hear the music for the last 10 seconds of her program, the screaming was so loud. And her final pose looked like she was gathering all of us in. The screaming continued all the way through the television commercial break...quite awhile.

[@thaler543]

damn, that was, like, perfect! she was so gorgeous!!! i wish she still competd :(

[@theprinceoftides6836]

Beauty, elegance, power, precision, supreme artistry, sophistication and control and let's not forget that all important Superstar presence. Not to mention that rare ability to take her audience to a very special place when she skates. A once in a lifetime, lightning in a bottle skater. The G.O.A.T...

[@TT-ee4qp]

In the late of her career, Michelle made improvement on more powerful, skating faster.

[@TRose522]

I literally just typed in her name today to see some old footage and ran across this video!!! I cried! I was so moved by her passion, goodness!! What am amazing athlete!!! I love this performance!

[@nd4864]

The artistry, the technique, the stage presence, the ability to create magic. She is unmatched.

[@miabulimanova4637]

The only skater that makes my bawl my eyes out. So much passion and emotion, not only athleticism. Everytime I watch this it's so hard to me not to feel goosegumps and a lump in my throat. She makes every movement and jump look so easy, you can tell she BELONGS there, that's her place.

[@kristianjl]

Michelle had/has no peer. No one could match her combination of technical ability and artistic, lyrical grace. I often forget the names of gold medalists - I will never forget Michelle Kwan. (Same goes for Kurt Browning)

[@MySummer25]

i always come back to look at this routing after i see today's Olympics…i wish she still there…

[@Gisele1113]

OMG, me too!! Im so sad!

[@ALGillespie86]

How many skaters are out there that we can say they've performed magical performances like this.. MULTIPLE times in their career? There may be a few performances from others that stick out, but Michelle? 96 World LP, 98 Nationals SP & LP, 2000 World LP, 2001 National SP, 2001 World LP, 2002 National LP, 2003 National LP, 2003 World SP & LP, 2004 Nationals LP, 2005 Nationals SP.. I'm sure I'm missing some. That many times!! Def. one of the most breathtaking skaters who will ever live!

[@JESSPENC]

One of the best skating performances!

[@TT-ee4qp]

Totally deserved an Olympics gold.

[@csopa08]

I have seen this program of MK several times, makes me cry EVERY TIME! Sure, technicality is not the best, but man oh man, that expression throughout, from her fingertips to her feet. That captures you. Love it!

[@baamtrazona2608]

The best performance of Michelle&best crowd's....way to go Michelle...i missed ur skating style..#Effortless...

[@erika6651]

I love how this was posted when Michelle was still competing and it is still here. And you know you're a legend when Dick Button is so flustered by you he's exclaiming something as ridiculous as "crusty hoot."

[@klkpiano]

This performance is simply beyond scoring, judgement, placement, or medals. Of course the Champhionship is hers, but this night she was divine and transcendent., simply above and beyond all expectations or limitations.

[@WHATTHEBUCKSHOW]

Crying.

[@twinklepug]

omgosh. I can watch this program over and over and it still brings tears to my eyes. In the footwork sequence she's just putting her heart and soul out and her gestures look so heartbreakingly desperate.

[@eugeniocorpuz8338]

The crowd was cheering during the footwork sequence. You don't see that in programs today.

[@lizziewalker9374]

I miss when skating looked like this and not the jumping festival it's become. I simply miss Michelle Kwan and many talented skaters like her of her time. So exciting watching this program again after all these years. It moved me then and it moved me now.

[@cosmlayla]

Where have you gone Michelle? This performance brings tears to my eyes...

[@101tanith]

love this programme! taking a break from my dissertation by watching michelle's classic programmes!

[@dannysimion]

Gosh - I remember watching this back in 2003 and it was such a thrill to see Michelle Kwan do such a flawless performance! I love the old days of figure skating! Beautiful!

[@olivebobo6885]

Just love her skating

[@tschan]

One of my favorite programs ever. Love the footwork sequence.

[@robitcha]

No athlete has ever been more loved!!!!

[@tinafarrar2527]

Absolutely should have had a couple of gold metals. Beautifully choreographed & skated. My favorite music will always be "East of Eden."

[@anthonymcng]

It’s year 2022, and I was waiting for the Beijing Winter Olympic Figure Skating competition to go Live… then I can’t help myself… to look for the best Figure Skater of our era - the inspiring Michelle Kwan!

[@TheRightToBeRandom]

Oh, how I miss Dick Button's commentary. He's the best. This was a great performance. I'm still sad she didn't get a third shot at the Olympic gold. American female figure skating hasn't been the same without Michelle, and it's been lacking without Sasha, inconsistencies and all.

[@LWOPP]

An Olympic gold medal is but one measure of athletic success. It eluded Kwan, but can't diminish 9 US and 5 World titles among countless others, and a domination of her sport which lasted nearly a decade. Your 1st 2 prerequisites are the same thing. Combine those, and for #2 put practice + preparation = consistency. Luck and finding the "zone" at the right time play a huge part in winning a gold medal, but finishing no lower than 2nd in any competition for 6 years is a staggering feat.

[@thesupremediva]

You can't teach this kind of quality. She's the GOAT.

[@sk8trjess]

Michelle was the total package. She was an artistic technician, this is why she is known as the best skater of all time. She also was at the top of the skating world for a decade. Show me a skater that can land ALL of their jumps consistently, control spins and edges and complete complicated footwork.

[@snowangel21111]

she will always, always be my favorite. such a beautiful skater.

[@ManuelPabloArnao]

Gosh, I miss this skating period and Michelle so much. Nobody skates like this anymore, there's so many rules it's insane.

[@whatheck6797]

2022 Olympic got me thinking of Michelle Kwam!

[@juliaramos5509]

My favorite always thru the years.