Skating legend Kwan will light torch at State Games

Figure skating legend Michelle Kwan will light the torch at the Opening Ceremony for the State Games of America on Aug. 2 at World Arena.

“We’re thrilled,” said Tom Osborne, president of the Colorado Springs Sports Corp., which hosts the event. “She is just a terrific Olympian. She will ignite the crowd.”

The five-time world champion and nine-time national champion is one of the more decorated figure skaters in U.S. history.

Kwan will light the flame in front of what organizers hope will be thousands of athletes, including a record 1,107 figure skaters, and fans from across the country at the nation’s largest Olympic-style event.

“It’s great for someone like Michelle to give back to the kids,” Osborne said. “She’s just a perfect pick for us this year with all these figure skaters. I can’t wait to see those figure skaters when we introduce Michelle.”

Kwan, 27, was the world champion in 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001 and 2003, tying her with Dick Button and Carol Heiss for most world titles by an American.

Kwan, who could not be reached for comment, retired just before the 2006 Olympics.

Kwan is a second-year student at the University of Denver, majoring in political science with a minor in international studies.

In November, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice appointed Kwan as the first American Public Diplomacy Envoy.

Kwan’s duties include traveling internationally to speak to young adults about leadership and educating them on social and educational issues.

Kwan won an unprecedented 43 championships, including national titles in 1996 and from 1998 to 2005. She won five gold, three silver and one bronze medal at the world championships.

She also won bronze in the 2002 Olympics and silver in 1998.

Kwan is also a seven-time Skate America champion (1995 to ’97, 1999, 2000 to ’02). She was the 2003 U.S. Olympic Committee’s Sportswoman of the Year and was named USOC Sportswoman of the Month 13 times.

Osborne said Kwan will attract more fans to the Games.

“There’s no question the torch lighter is the highlight of the evening,” he said. “To bring in Michelle, we set the bar high. She’s such a great name and a great representative.”

Tickets for the Opening Ceremony can be purchased at ticketswest.com or by calling 866-464-2626. They are $10 for adults, $5 for youth (18 and younger) and seniors (55 and older).

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0215 or brandi.perez@gazette.com