Michelle Kwan

Michelle Wingshan Kwan (born July 7, 1980) is a retired American competitive figure skater and diplomat who served as United States Ambassador to Belize from 2022 to 2025. In figure skating Kwan is a two-time Olympic medalist (silver in 1998, bronze in 2002), a five-time world champion (1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003) and a nine-time U.S. champion (1996, 1998–2005). She is tied with Maribel Vinson for the all-time National Championship record.

She competed at the senior level for over a decade and is the most decorated figure skater in U.S. history.^[2] Known for her consistency and expressive artistry on ice, she is widely considered one of the greatest figure skaters of all time.^[3]

For well over a decade, Kwan maintained her status not only as America's most popular figure skater but as one of America's most popular female athletes.^[4] Kwan landed numerous major endorsement deals, starred in multiple TV specials and was the subject of extensive media coverage.^[5] From 1997 to 2005, she was the U.S. Figure Skating Association's top-paid skater in appearance fees and prize money,^[6] as well as one of the highest paid Winter Olympic athletes in endorsements.^[7][8] Kwan was also the highest-paid skater on the Champions on Ice tours.^[9]

Following her figure skating career, Kwan became active in politics, particularly with the Democratic Party. In January 2022, President Joe Biden nominated Kwan to be U.S. Ambassador to Belize. She was confirmed by the Senate on September 29, 2022, took the oath of office on October 22, and presented her credentials on December 5. Her term concluded at the end of the Biden administration on January 16, 2025.